Articles tagged with 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a system using unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robots to monitor air temperatures and provide targeted heating to protect crops from frost damage. The project aims to minimize energy use while maximizing precision in frost protection, with the goal of reducing economic losses for growers.
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.
A recent study suggests that trees are essential for mitigating the urban heat island effect, with 40% canopy cover required to trigger significant cooling effects. The research found that even small increases in tree density can lead to substantial reductions in temperatures, making tree planting a key strategy for city planners.
A new study finds that Hurricane Maria's damage to trees in Puerto Rico was unprecedented, with big, old trees suffering the worst. The study suggests that more frequent storms whipped up by a warming climate could permanently alter forests across the Atlantic tropics.
A national-scale study found that high tree diversity in the US is associated with a greater number of nonnative pests, but this relationship depends on the pest's specialization. The study used two large datasets and found a hump-shaped curve between tree diversity and pest diversity.
A broad-scale study found a significant relationship between tree diversity and nonnative pest invasions. High tree diversity reduces pest invasions by creating ecological niches that make it harder for pests to find resources, while low diversity increases the risk of invasion. The study's results have important implications for fores...
The Blue Brain Project has developed an algorithm to objectively classify the shapes of neurons in the brain, enabling the creation of a standardized taxonomy of all brain cells. This breakthrough resolves a century-old neuroscience problem and provides a reliable comparative method for researchers.
A University of Colorado Boulder study found that gender quotas in local governing bodies can significantly reduce global deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. When offered financial incentives, groups with gender quotas conserve more trees than those without quotas, even when men are present in decision-making roles.
A recent study found that groundwater extraction is harming floodplain forests in Europe by reducing tree growth and increasing drought sensitivity. The research suggests that adapting to climate change requires reducing groundwater extraction, not increasing it, to protect these critical ecosystems.
Researchers used Thoreau's observations to study the effects of climate change on tree leaf-out and wildflower emergence. The study found that wildflowers are now leafing out earlier, while trees are leafing out later, potentially hindering wildflower abundance.
In tropical rainforests, plants produce unique defense chemicals to evade insect-eating predators, promoting biodiversity. A study found that nine Inga tree species developed distinct defense strategies, leading to a diverse forest ecosystem.
A study in Panama's rainforest reveals that neighboring trees have different defensive traits and herbivores, impacting growth and survival. This finding suggests that climate change or habitat fragmentation will affect rainforest health.
Researchers suggest that coffee farmers can maximize their profits by adopting shade-growing practices, which provide ecosystem services and reduce the need for agrochemicals. This approach can result in higher quality coffee beans with a price premium, offsetting lower yields.
A new species of frog, Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India, revealing a window into the region's deep history. The Starry Dwarf Frog shares ancestry with two existing subfamilies but exhibits divergent characteristics.
A University of Montana study found that climate change limits tree regeneration following wildfires in low-elevation forests, potentially leading to abrupt forest loss. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined post-fire regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees.
A study found that climate change and wildfires can lead to abrupt loss of low-elevation forests due to reduced tree regeneration after disturbances. Annual climate conditions now cross critical thresholds at most study sites, making it challenging for trees to regenerate.
Research found that microbes specialize at the genotype level, promoting diversity by killing common species and making room for rare ones. This leads to increased seed dispersal, creating landscapes that allow pathogens to effectively promote diversity.
A new study explores how climate-driven evolution in tree populations changes their interaction with the soil environment, leading to reduced genetic variation and altered soil microbiome. Warmer temperatures result in earlier bud break and leaf-out, reducing genetic variation and affecting soil microbial communities.
A study by NC State University found that urbanization and scale-insect abundance, rather than latitudinal warming, are key drivers of tree health in cities. In the Southeast US, cities at mid-latitudes showed poorer tree health due to high volumes of tree-destroying scale insects.
A new technique uses Liebig's Law to improve estimates of historical temperature and rainfall from tree rings. The method selects trees that were growing well, linking their growth to the climate they experienced, resulting in more precise measurements.
Researchers discovered that paper mulberry tree evolved complex flavonoids to attract nitrogen-fixing bacteria, promoting healthy growth. This symbiosis has led to the development of high-quality feedstock, medicine, and food products.