Articles tagged with Trees
Researchers have discovered a new species of tree in the Usambara Mountains, which grows up to 20m tall with white flowers. The tree is considered endangered due to its restricted population range and potential reliance on a specific beetle for pollination.
Dr. Ryan Perroy's solution uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to improve early detection of Rapid 'Ohi'a Death across forests, giving managers precious time to respond to outbreaks. The innovative approach also involves collecting samples from suspect trees using drones for laboratory analysis.
Researchers found that small-scale farming is destroying tropical forest wilderness in northeastern Peru, posing significant threats to biodiversity. The study highlights the need for careful management of remote areas and potential opportunities to link conservation with rural development efforts.
A recent study published in Evolution Letters found that a single old-growth tree can have up to 100,000 genetic differences between its base and tip. This suggests that these massive trees are capable of accumulating significant genetic variation over time.
A new study by ETH Zurich reveals that reforestation efforts could store two-thirds of the 300 billion tonnes of carbon released into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. The greatest potential for forest restoration lies in six countries: Russia, US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and China.
Researchers estimated Earth's potential for additional tree cover, which could cut atmospheric CO2 levels by 25%. The study suggests an extra 0.9 billion hectares of tree cover, storing over 200Gt of carbon, equivalent to two-thirds of human-made emissions.
A new study by the Crowther Lab suggests that global forest restoration could capture two-thirds of human-made carbon emissions. The study found that there is potential to increase the world's forest land by a third without affecting cities or agriculture, with forests capable of storing 205 billion tonnes of carbon once mature.
Researchers have pinpointed restoration hotspots in 15 countries across four continents, offering the biggest carbon, water, and wildlife benefits. The study identifies over 100 million hectares of lost lowland tropical rain forests that can be restored to overcome rising global temperatures.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that California's Sierra Nevada mountain range experienced a catastrophic forest die-off due to depleted deep-soil water. The researchers discovered that years of severe drought and abnormally warm temperatures exceeded the safety margin for trees, leading to widespread tree death.
Callery pear trees, originally introduced as urban favorites, now outcompete native species in US forests, threatening ecological balance. The invasive trees' deep roots and long growing season make them difficult to remove, posing an existential threat to native biodiversity.
Researchers from the University of Granada developed a new forest treatment technique that helps trees adapt to extreme climates by reducing competition for resources. The method, based on measuring tree trunk diameters, has been shown to improve forest growth and resilience in Mediterranean areas.
Research reveals that agroforestry is a major carbon sink, but its contribution is often overlooked in international climate agreements. Scientists call for improved accounting and visibility of agroforestry practices to support climate change mitigation targets.
Researchers found that restored pine woodlands support a diverse array of bird species, including declining ones like the Red-headed Woodpecker and Prairie Warbler. The study shows that controlled fires and tree thinning can create suitable habitats for many different bird species with different needs.
Researchers found that certain plant and tree traits exacerbate drought conditions by rapidly releasing water vapor into the air. This can lead to more frequent and intense droughts in hot climates, even in regions with adapted plant species.
A new study examines the impact of climate change on coffee and cocoa production in Mesoamerica and recommends transforming agroforestry systems by changing tree species composition to adapt to future climate scenarios.
Researchers found that coastal, indigenous forests in South Africa store a moderate to large amount of carbon, making them important for conservation. The study also highlights the need to balance forest productivity with local community needs in order to achieve sustainable development.
New research finds that climate change could lead to more frequent and intense spruce beetle outbreaks in the Rocky Mountains. Warmer temperatures could extend the beetle's flight period and make coordinated attacks harder to predict.
The study found that climate change could lead to a decline in ectomycorrhizal tree species by up to 10% if CO2 emissions continue unabated until 2070. This decline may have significant implications for forest ecosystems and growth.
Researchers found a microscopic valve-like structure in slow-growing ponderosa pines provides greater safety against drought but slows water transport, limiting growth rate. The study suggests there is a fundamental tradeoff between drought resistance and growth rate in these trees.
A new study by the Tropical managed Forests Observatory suggests that selective logging alone is unlikely to meet current demand for timber in Amazonia. The research highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to manage wood resources in the region, considering the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.
Two studies published in Nature Ecology & Evolution challenge long-standing sloth classification, revealing new relationships between ancient ground sloths and modern species. The findings use proteins in fossils to map an entire lineage for the first time, rewriting our understanding of sloth evolution.
New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.
Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Montpellier have reached almost identical results in two separate studies, overturning a longstanding consensus on sloth evolutionary relationships. The combined molecular evidence suggests that ancient sloths may have been at home on both land and in trees.
Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to extract ancient protein sequences from fossilized bones, revealing a common ancestor between two-toed sloths and giant ground sloths like Megatherium. The study challenges decades of scientific opinion on sloth evolution and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of animals.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.
Researchers designed SlothBot to linger in the forest canopy for months, measuring environmental factors like weather and chemicals, to observe changes over long periods. This approach leverages energy efficiency, avoiding the high energy needs of fast-moving robots, and aims to provide a fail-safe transition between cables.
A Rutgers study found that striped maple trees can switch sex from year to year, with 54% of trees changing sexes over a four-year period. Female trees are more likely to die, which could lead to reduced populations and a decrease in seed production.
A recent study suggests that Native Americans' use of fire to manage vegetation in the Eastern United States had a more profound impact on forest composition than climate change. The researchers found that frequent and widespread human-caused fire resulted in the predominance of fire-adapted tree species, leading to changes in forest c...
A study examines how local communities interact with and view peatlands, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance. The research reveals that communities have existing conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for further support from NGOs and institutions.
Researchers found that high levels of PM10 reduced average tree growth by up to 37% and varied interannually with pollution levels during driest months. Trees exposed to higher levels of pollution grew less in trunk diameter development throughout their lives.
A recent study found that Yellowstone's re-burned forests have a six-fold decline in lodgepole pine tree seedlings and lost significant carbon storage capacity after experiencing two consecutive fires within fewer than 30 years. The researchers estimate it would take over 150 years for the forest to recover its lost carbon.
A study conducted in Brazil found that intensive silviculture using herbicide spraying and substantial fertilizer application promotes tropical forest regeneration and biomass gain, exceeding traditional manual weeding methods. Researchers aimed to maximize woody biomass accumulation for carbon sequestration and financial viability.
International study finds that as temperatures rise, trees grow faster but die younger, reducing the amount of carbon they store. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon cycle dynamics.
Researchers mapped over 1.1 million forest sites and 28,000 tree species to understand how symbiotic partnerships structure the world's forests. The study revealed a new biological rule, Read's Rule, which predicts massive changes to the symbiotic state of the world's forests if carbon emissions continue unabated.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that tree distributions in African savannas follow distinct patterns, regardless of environmental factors. The research used LiDAR data to identify power law distributions that capture significant statistical correlations at large scales.
Scientists have discovered a 99-million-year-old piece of amber containing diverse coastal organisms, including sea snails, slaters, and terrestrial creatures like mites and spiders. The finding sheds light on the unique preservation process that trapped these animals in the amber.
Researchers have documented the oldest known living trees in eastern North America and the longest-lived wetland species in the world. The ancient bald cypress trees are estimated to be around 2,624 years old and were discovered in a forested wetland preserve along the Black River in North Carolina.
Urban trees exhibit accelerated growth but higher mortality rates than rural counterparts, resulting in a net loss of street-tree carbon storage over time. Strategic planting and maintenance initiatives can help maximize urban greening efforts as a climate-mitigation tool.
The study found that Moringa leaves contain 30 times more iron and 100 times more calcium than spinach, making them a rich source of essential nutrients. The tree's roots and stem parts also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a superfood.
A study by Simon Joly and Elizabeth Wolkovich found that a plant's genetics can be used to accurately predict when its leaves will burst bud in spring. The research showed that genetic differences between individual specimens within a species affect how well they adapt to climate change.
Researchers mapped eight tree species in Forest Park using satellite imaging data and machine learning techniques. The data will help inform best practices for managing healthy green spaces and trimming programs to avoid power outages following storms. By analyzing tree health and species, experts can track growth rates and identify tr...
A new study predicts that Ash dieback will have a devastating impact on the UK's economy, with estimated costs of £15 billion over the next decade. The disease is expected to kill 95-99% of ash trees in Britain, leading to significant losses in ecosystem services such as water and air purification and carbon sequestration.
A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.
A study analyzed 57 indigenous communities' knowledge of palm trees, revealing that the network is fragile and minimal loss has significant consequences. The researchers highlighted the importance of cultural factors and transdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen indigenous resilience.
The annual Winter Study report chronicles the effects of wolf reintroductions on the island's ecosystem, with 13 new wolves and 20 radio-collared moose providing valuable data. Researchers expect a slowing down of moose population growth due to severe vegetation damage, while wolf pups may be possible this year.
A new detection tool has been developed to identify quarantine tree pathogens, reducing analysis time and enabling prompt reactions. The tool can be used by non-scientists and is crucial in preventing the spread of devastating pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa, Ceratocystis platani, and Phytophthora ramorum.
Research reveals coffee plantations host nearly as many bird species as forests, with shaded areas providing double the number of forest specialist birds. However, overall bird populations decline, highlighting the need for large primary forest reserves for conservation.
Researchers found that plants and microbes forge symbiotic relationships to gain access to nutrients, leading to the dominance of specific tree species in different biomes. This understanding can help predict how ecosystems will shift in response to climate change.
A study published in Biological Conservation highlights the importance of tree dens for pandas raising infants in native habitats. Tree dens provide a more stable microclimate than cave dens, facilitating offspring survival. This research emphasizes the need to preserve large old trees for giant panda conservation.
The study found a shift towards arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees in the eastern US due to climate change, increased nitrogen deposition, and fire suppression. This change can accelerate nutrient cycling, potentially affecting carbon storage in North American forests.
A UMass Lowell expert is studying how much mercury accumulates in forests to reduce the pollutant worldwide. The research team measures forest soils and watersheds to understand mercury cycles.
Genomic data from two hickory species suggests that one species survived in a northern microrefuge and expanded to its current range from a southern origin. Phylogeography analysis indicates that the species retreated southward as ice sheets advanced, aiding climate shift responses.
Researchers found that spotted lanternflies create level or gradually descending straight-line flight paths, averaging 75 feet in length. The insects tend to orient strongly to nearby visual landmarks and begin feeding immediately after landing.
Researchers used genomic data to estimate the precise location of ice-age refugia for two hickory species, finding evidence of northern microrefugia. The study suggests that some trees likely survived farther north and closer to the ice sheet than previously believed.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have sequenced the Holm oak transcriptome, providing insights into the tree's reactions to stress and other biological aspects. The study has generated over 34,000 annotated transcriptions, offering a first approximation of the genome and potential for future research projects.
A new study uses dendrochronology and historical survey to investigate the effects of human populations on Amazonian forests. The research reveals that pre-colonial populations left lasting imprints on the region's forest structure and resources.
Researchers uncover six distinct genera and over 60 species of wood-boring clams, revealing their unique diet and importance in the ocean's carbon cycle. The discovery sheds new light on these tiny creatures' role in shaping the deep-sea ecosystem.
A University of Delaware study found that certain native tree species provide better food resources for insects and attract migratory birds to coffee farms. Shade-grown coffee farms can serve as habitat refuges for wildlife, improving farm productivity and biodiversity.
A study found that urban bats' responses to artificial light vary across species, seasons, and lamp types. Tree cover mitigates the negative effects of light pollution on bat activity, allowing some species to thrive in areas with high tree density. However, most species are repelled by street lamps, regardless of UV emission.
Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.