Articles tagged with Trees
Scientists used chemical isotopes to measure tree cover and shade in ancient soil, finding that grassy savannas were prevalent at most East African sites where human ancestors evolved. The study suggests that hominins partitioned their time between open and closed habitats, with sparse woody canopy providing essential resources.
Scientists used ancient soil to measure prehistoric tree cover and found that grassy, tree-dotted savannas prevailed for over 6 million years in eastern Africa. This discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting a shift towards forested environments during human evolution.
A team of scientists tracked the movements of toucans carrying seeds from a nutmeg tree, revealing that birds disperse seeds most effectively in the morning. The data created a map of the relative patterns and distances of seed dispersal, providing new insights into plant ecology.
A study by Rice University biologist Evan Siemann and colleagues found that the invasive Chinese tallow tree was not introduced to the US by Ben Franklin. The genetic evidence suggests that the trees originated from eastern China, with a faster growth rate in the US than their Chinese counterparts.
Researchers tracked Malayan colugos using accelerometer packs and found they glide to save time, but not energy. The animals cover long distances gliding, which helps them forage more efficiently and protects them from predators.
Research in southern Norway found that sheep browsing had a significant impact on tree ring widths, with temperatures still visible in the records. The study highlights the importance of considering herbivore densities when estimating past climatic conditions.
Researchers found that Pacific Northwest conifers face significant water stress during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles, which disrupts water flow. This challenges the conventional view of summer as the most stressful season for these trees.
Researchers found that age-related changes in attention and Gestalt perception hinder older adults' ability to focus on global patterns. The study provides evidence of correlations between healthy aging and declines in visual perception, offering insights into cognitive domains interacting during aging.
Researchers discovered that trees in Chilean forests relying on hoverflies for pollination fare better when separated by resource-poor pine plantations than by agricultural lands. The 'Circe Principle' explains how abundant resources can slow or prevent pollinator movement, challenging existing conservation models.
A University of Vermont scientist has developed a bio-pesticide using an insect-killing fungus and sweet whey to reduce the growth rate of hemlock woolly adelgid. The treatment showed promising results in trials, with a 50% reduction in pest population in infested trees.
The MIT model takes basic meteorological data and computes how tall a tree is likely to grow under those conditions. The team's results have been published in PLoS One and match up well with actual measurements from the US Forest Service, except for two geographic regions: the arid Southwest and parts of New England.
Researchers analyze structure and physiology of trees as they grow, revealing how older, larger trees respond to environmental changes like CO2 levels and drought. The study sheds light on how these changes affect tree species distributions as the climate shifts.
A subset of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles is in the early stages of a global epidemic threatening economically important tree species. The beetles kill trees by triggering a strong immune response from the tree's own system, causing it to die of thirst.
A new study reveals that urban vegetation in Leicester stores 231,000 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 3.16 kg C per square metre of the city. Planting more trees, particularly large ones, could increase this pool by 12%.
Researchers found that genetically identical trees grew differently in response to drought conditions depending on their nursery origin. This study reveals a form of molecular 'memory' where trees retain information about their past experiences, influencing their behavior in the environment.
A University of Alberta study found that climate change has pushed the province's native wildflowers and trees into earlier blooming times, making them more vulnerable to frost damage. The average winter monthly temperature increased by 5.3 degrees Celsius over 70 years, with bloom dates advancing two weeks for early spring species
A UBC study found that over 75% of tree holes used by birds and mammals worldwide are created by damage and decay, emphasizing the importance of preserving older, larger trees. This contrasts with North American forests where woodpeckers dominate hole creation.
A CU-Boulder study indicates that mountain pine beetle infestations could lead to earlier snowmelt and increased water yields. The research found that dead trees with red needles accumulated more snow than living stands, while those with gray phase trees melted faster due to reduced snow interception and increased solar radiation.
Researchers found that root grafting between individual jack pine trees increased radial growth rates and allowed for the sharing of resources such as water, photosynthates, and nutrients. This cooperative behavior challenges the traditional view of trees as competitors and suggests a new strategy for tree interactions.
A new study reveals that bacteria living in mosses on tree branches contribute to nutrient dynamics, sustaining the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. Large, ancient trees provide habitat for mosses and cyanobacteria, which fix nitrogen and fertilize the forest.
A new forest simulation model helps researchers understand the effects of timber-friendly hardwood regeneration on songbird habitats in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The study found that regeneration in harvest gaps is crucial for forest managers to have choices, with sugar maple regeneration having a significant impact on bird habitat.
A MBL study found that warming causes more nitrogen to become available to trees, allowing them to grow faster and store more carbon. This is a positive effect on carbon storage, but the overall impact of global warming on forest ecosystems will also depend on other factors such as water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration
A study found that earlier springs can enhance xylem growth in black spruce, but colder summers can negate this effect. The research suggests that the amplitude of summer warming temperatures plays a crucial role in wood production.
The Eucalyptus grandis genome sequence provides a blueprint for efficient breeding programs, disease resistance, and wood quality improvement. Researchers aim to replace fossil fuels with biofuels and other alternative energy sources using cellulose-rich plants like eucalyptus trees.
African nations participated in a workshop to document the status of forest genetic resources, essential for conserving and sustainably managing forests. The project aims to cover over 3,000 species and gather comprehensive data on genetic diversity before it is lost forever.
A study in Michigan's Upper Peninsula reveals that deer are outcompeting saplings for resources, hindering regeneration of sugar maple trees. The research suggests a trade-off between deer populations and timber harvesting, with areas in the south facing severe sapling shortages.
Scientists discovered that ancient rainforests had more veins per unit area in leaves of flowering plants, allowing for increased water availability and carbon capture. This finding suggests that improved plumbing systems in these plants contributed to the evolution of modern rainforest ecosystems.
A University of Maryland study suggests that engaging in environmental stewardship activities like tree planting can lead to increased civic engagement. The research found that volunteers involved in the MillionTreesNYC project were more likely to be civically active than their peers.
The article reports on audio recordings of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker captured by Dr. Michael Collins, which match historical descriptions. The footage shows characteristics consistent with the species, including a large crest and rared-back posture.
Researchers found tiger-parrots occupy a unique spot on the parrot evolutionary tree, contradicting long-held assumptions about their relationships. This discovery sheds light on the bigger picture of parrot evolution in Australia and New Guinea.
The new citrus variety KinnowLS developed at UC Riverside is extremely sweet, juicy, and visually appealing, with only 2-3 seeds per fruit. This breakthrough variety has the potential to revolutionize citrus production in India and Pakistan, where it can be grown in hot climates.
Researchers have identified a macrocyclic lactone compound that female emerald ash borers release while feeding, attracting male borers. This discovery has the potential to improve traps for monitoring and controlling the tree-killing beetle.
An epidemiological study on trees reveals earlier spring warming and summer drought as significant risk factors for tree reproduction and survival. The study helps scientists predict which species are vulnerable to climate change by analyzing the effects of climate variability on tree growth and fecundity.
An 18-year study of 27,000 trees found that climate change is more sensitive to tree growth and fecundity than previously thought. Early spring warming and summer drought were identified as key factors affecting tree reproduction and growth. The study provides valuable insights into how climate change impacts specific tree species.
The mountain pine beetle has invaded jack pine forests in Alberta, successfully jumping species from its main host to the dominant Canadian boreal forest tree. Researchers tracked the infestation's progress across Alberta, finding the insects as far east as Slave Lake, and plan further research to estimate their potential speed of spread.
New research reveals that tree leaves in different canopy positions respond to varying light conditions by changing shape and physiology. This adaptation allows trees to cope with stress and use resources more efficiently, with outer canopy leaves influencing the inner canopy's ability to utilize diffuse solar radiation.
USDA scientists have discovered a previously unknown population of American elms that carry genes for resistance to Dutch elm disease. The diploid trees were found in the wild and may hold the key to combating the disease, which has killed millions of trees since its arrival in the US in 1931.
The Russian boreal forest, the world's largest continuous expanse of forest, is experiencing a rapid shift in vegetation types as temperatures rise. This leads to an increase in evergreen conifers and a decline in larch trees, resulting in a northward progression of evergreens and a retreat of larch forests.
Recent UC research on ancient Maya agroforestry and water-management systems at Tikal reveals that the forests were insufficient to meet the needs of Late Classic Maya populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable management techniques. The study also sheds light on how the ancient Maya built their water management systems, u...
Lianas, found in most tropical lowland forests, are outcompeting trees for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This intense competition is limiting tree growth and survival in these ecosystems.
A new study projects that climate change will likely eliminate Joshua trees from 90 percent of their current range within 60 to 90 years. The species' ability to migrate via seed dispersal may be severely limited due to its reliance on seed-caching rodents.
Virginia Tech forest researcher Jason Holliday has received a $1.5 million NSF grant to investigate how tree populations adapt at the genomic scale in response to climate change. The study aims to improve breeding applications for poplar planting stock in a changing climate.
New research suggests that ancient trash mounds, or middens, left behind by prehistoric humans may be responsible for the formation of tree islands in the Florida Everglades. These elevated areas allowed trees to grow and provided a habitat for wildlife. Human disturbance is now threatening the existence of these unique ecosystems.
Scientists have created a comprehensive framework for understanding fly evolution, revealing surprising relationships between species. The study provides new insights into the origins and diversification of flies, which comprise over 10% of all life on Earth.
Researchers reconstructed a 226-year fire history in southern Illinois by analyzing fire scars on post oak trees. The study found that repeated fires dating back to early European settlement permanently altered the region's ecology.
A new study projects that climate change will shrink the range of lodgepole pine in western North America by 2080, with the species expected to survive in only 17% of its current range. Warmer temperatures and increased drought are already affecting the species' growth, making it more vulnerable to insect attacks like bark beetles.
Indonesia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but contradictions in laws, regulations, and customary norms hinder progress. The country's forest management policies create hotspots of confusion over what constitutes 'peat' and 'natural forest', leading to ongoing conflicts between industry, government, and local communities.
Researchers discover that bacteria associated with mosses on tree branches are essential for nutrient dynamics, enabling the long-term productivity of coastal temperate rainforests. The study highlights the importance of preserving large old-growth trees to maintain these forests' health.
Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.
Hundreds of 'moon trees,' planted by Apollo 14 astronaut Stuart Roosa in 1971, are living out their lives across the US. As some die or succumb to disease, NASA's Dave Williams is racing against time to find and record the remaining trees' locations.
Growing trees on farms enhances soil health, conserves water, and provides a range of products including food, medicine, and energy. Agroforestry is crucial for meeting global challenges such as food security and climate change.
Researchers found two severe Amazon droughts in 5 years have caused widespread and severe impacts on the region's rainforests. The carbon impact of these droughts may exceed previous estimates, potentially offsetting the Amazon's ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
A UBC study has identified genes that allow the blue stain fungus Grosmannia clavigera to bypass lodgepole pine's natural fungicide, enabling it to infect and kill trees. This knowledge could inform strategies to prevent future outbreaks of mountain pine beetles.
Researchers at Hebrew U. warn that climate change may cause many tree species with wind-dispersed seeds to become extinct due to reduced wind speed and increased seed production. This could lead to a slower spread of trees than expected, making them vulnerable to extinction.
A study investigated the in vitro development of decay caused by 12 major root-rot and trunk-rot fungi in nine ornamental tree species. Strains like Armillaria mellea and Ganoderma lucidum exhibited high decay potential, with gymnosperm wood generally more resistant than angiosperm wood.
Researchers found that April grafting is the most successful method for creating disease-resistant Fraser fir trees, with a 95% success rate. The study recommended grafting during late winter or early spring when scions are dormant and rootstocks are becoming active.
A new study by Oregon State University and USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that a combination of urea and CuEDTA with phosphonate-containing fungicides can reduce disease severity caused by Phytophthora syringae in pear trees. This treatment does not negatively impact tree nitrogen content or early defoliation.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of the Criollo cacao tree, considered one of the world's finest chocolate varieties. The study identified key genes that can improve disease resistance and increase productivity, potentially leading to a more sustainable cacao economy.
A team of researchers has discovered a mummified forest in the Arctic that provides valuable insights into how plants adapted to a long-ago global cooling event. The trees, which are estimated to be 2-8 million years old, show signs of stress and suffered from extreme conditions, including half a year of darkness and cooling climate.
A new study suggests that a 60-year drought like the one in the 12th Century could occur in the Southwest, with devastating impacts on ecosystems and water systems. The team analyzed past temperatures and droughts to identify plausible worst-case scenarios, highlighting the need for improved water management planning.