Articles tagged with Trees
A new study reveals that trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are migrating uphill to escape rising temperatures, while some species are moving downhill. The research found that younger trees in high-altitude forests are growing more rapidly and moving uphill.
A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.
Researchers discovered a hybrid lineage of black cottonwood and balsam poplar trees, showing that natural hybridization informs the evolution of plant species and enables adaptation to environmental change. The study suggests that genetic exchange between species is critical for survival in arid climates.
Researchers used machine learning to create highly detailed maps of individual trees, providing valuable information for conservation efforts and ecological projects. The algorithm achieved high accuracy in classifying common tree species, with strengths shown in areas with open space and lower species diversity.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
New research from an international team of scientists found that Mozambican miombo woodlands store 1.5 to 2.2 times more carbon than previously estimated, with potential storage of 13.6 billion tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide. This suggests a critical role for these ecosystems in climate change mitigation.
A recent study found that tree species can sustain life in temperatures higher or lower than where they are currently growing. The research revealed that trees have overlapping potential niches that extend beyond their realized niches, allowing them to expand their ranges. This new understanding challenges current methods for predictin...
Researchers have found that climate change is driving tree species towards colder and wetter regions across Europe and North America. The study analyzed data from over two million trees and found that no single trait of the tree species could explain these changes.
A new study reveals that climate models overestimate the storage time of carbon in plants, meaning it is released back into the atmosphere sooner than predicted. This has implications for nature-based carbon removal projects and our understanding of the role of nature in mitigating climate change.
Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.
International research team finds that increasing key nutrients like potassium and phosphorus can sustain tropical forest productivity under drought conditions. This study, published in Nature Geoscience, aims to address the potential impact of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
A study found that climate change is shifting tree populations away from mycorrhizal fungi, which supply plants with critical nutrients. Trees in the pine family are most at risk, and those that survive in harsh conditions have more diverse fungal partners.
The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.
A global research team suggests that all eight baobab species originated in Madagascar due to genomic analysis. The most likely scenario is that baobabs dispersed from Madagascar when sea levels were lower, but rising sea levels could hinder their expansion and threaten their populations.
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society found that birds on islands are more evolutionarily similar and diverse than expected, with more species thriving in agricultural areas. The research suggests that there may be fundamental principles of ecology at play, influencing bird evolution on islands.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
A recent study by the University of Vienna found that only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change. Mixed forests are essential for forest ecosystem stability, but limited species options pose a challenge. The selected set of future-proof trees averages three properties, such as carbon storage and animal habitats.
A recent study by an international group found that forests with higher trait diversity adapt better to climate change and thrive. Higher productivity levels were maintained in diverse trees compared to monoculture forests.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Research published in Global Change Biology indicates that a single hurricane can down 4.6–9.4% of New England's aboveground forest carbon. The study also shows that current carbon market policies are insufficiently buffered against the risks posed by hurricanes, which could lead to catastrophic emissions
A team of researchers from the University of Delaware developed a forest extent agreement map for Mexico, combining seven remote sensing products and two independent datasets to identify consensus areas of agreement. The study found high agreement in heavily forested areas and disagreement in complex ecological zones.
Researchers studied how climate change impacts boreal forests' carbon absorption after fires. They found that regrowth is influenced by the partnership between plants and soil microbes, which weakens with climate change.
The WVU Research Experience for Undergraduates program aims to solve real-world problems in Appalachia using mobile robotics. Students will conduct independent research in areas like drone navigation and swarming behaviors, focusing on enabling change with robotics tools.
Researchers found that adjusting crop loads to specific levels for different rootstock types can optimize tree growth and fruit quality. Chemical thinning agents like carbaryl and 6-BA were effective in managing crop load, with best practices involving specific concentrations and application timings.
A new dataset has been released that combines molecular information about the poplar tree microbiome with ecosystem-level processes. The dataset provides detailed information on 27 genetically distinct variants of Populus trichocarpa, a bioenergy crop, and includes data on gene expression, soil chemistry, and microbial diversity.
The boreal forest and treeless shrublands may experience significant changes due to climate change, with potential loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption. The study highlights the need for adaptation and cooperation to mitigate these impacts.
A new global study by the University of Copenhagen and University of Hohenheim finds that diversified agriculture improves food security, biodiversity, and well-being while having no negative effect on yields. Strategies such as livestock diversification and soil conservation yield positive outcomes.
A study by University of Barcelona researchers reveals older trees are crucial for conserving the wolf lichen, a threatened species found in European high mountain forests. The oldest trees provide unique shelter and conditions that support the survival of this endangered species.
Research shows that long-term declines in pronghorn productivity are associated with increased oil and gas development and woody encroachment. Manual removal of trees and controlled burning could help protect iconic rangeland species like pronghorn.
Researchers from Nagoya University discovered that tree frogs create foam nests on the ground to protect their eggs from low temperatures, increasing hatchability rates.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg developed a new method to identify the origin of harvested trees using chemical footprints in wood tissue. The study focused on Eastern European countries, but the method is applicable worldwide, tackling over half of tropical timber's illegal harvest.
A study in São Paulo's central area found that poor wood condition, sidewalk root constriction, and drastic pruning are major predictors of urban tree failure. The researchers propose guidelines for stakeholders to reduce the number of failures, which average 2,000 per year.
A new study found that giant sequoias introduced to the UK are well-adapted to the climate, growing at rates close to their native ranges and capturing large amounts of carbon during their long lives. The trees can potentially pull an average of 85 kilograms of carbon out of the atmosphere per year.
Scientists monitored seedlings in North Borneo's natural and restored forests, finding low survival rates in logged areas. This suggests that different restoration approaches may have longer-term implications for forest recovery, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
Scientists have discovered the oldest fossilized forest on Earth, dating back 390 million years, in the Devon and Somerset coast of South West England. The fossils, known as Calamophyton, are a 'prototype' of modern trees, with characteristics such as hollow trunks and twig-like structures.
Researchers found that brown bears' digging for cicada nymphs damages tree roots and alters soil nitrogen content, limiting tree diameter growth. This phenomenon is unique to human-planted conifer forests, with no similar effects in natural forests.
Researchers identified rare genetic mutations in two tropical tree species, which are transmitted to offspring and contribute to their genetic diversity. These mutations have no effect on UV exposure but can help the trees adapt to changing environments.
Scientists analyzed carbon isotope values of hazelnuts from ancient sites in southern Sweden to understand local woodlands thousands of years ago. The study found that hazelnuts were harvested from progressively more open environments over time, indicating significant changes in microhabitats.
A team of scientists has discovered eight new species of Hylaeus masked bees in the Pacific islands, including French Polynesia. The study reveals that these tiny bees likely rafted between islands via Fiji and the southwest Pacific, solving a long-standing mystery about their origins.
A new study reveals that even small incremental increases in tree cover on agricultural land in mountain regions can provide significant climate change mitigation benefits within a decade. Agroforestry practices can help conserve irrecoverable carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services in mountain systems.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.
Research reveals a rich diversity of beneficial fungi living in boreal forest trees, with implications for forest health. The findings suggest that these fungi are adapted in highly specific ways to their local conditions, making them sensitive to future climate change.
A recent study published in Nature identifies potential thresholds for stressors that could cause the Amazon forest to collapse. The research highlights the importance of understanding the most significant factors affecting the rainforest environment to develop strategies for keeping it resilient.
A century of reforestation in the eastern US led to significant cooling effects, with forests lowering land surface temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius annually. The study found that forest cover can influence ground surface temperatures and near-surface air temperatures, providing relief from heatwaves.
The discovery of fossilized trees with a surprising three-dimensional crown shape reveals that some ancient plants were experimenting with unusual growth forms to maximize light capture. The 350-million-year-old tree, known as Sanfordiacaulis, had over 250 leaves and a dense canopy extending at least 5.5 meters around its non-woody trunk.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
While some tree-planting organizations have shown improvement in community involvement and addressing drivers of deforestation, many still lack transparency and long-term planning. Researchers found that only 70% of organizations report monitoring data and 10% commit to project maintenance beyond 10 years.
Scientists have successfully replicated QS-21, a potent vaccine adjuvant, in an alternative plant host for the first time. This breakthrough enables the production of this highly valued compound in a more sustainable manner.
Research in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy reveals invasive big-headed ants have reduced lions' effectiveness at killing zebras. Lions now primarily target African buffalo instead, maintaining population stability.
Research by INRAE reveals that European forests with greater tree species diversity and slow-growing oak trees are better equipped to withstand storm damage. The study's findings suggest that monocultures of fast-growing pine trees are more susceptible to storm damage.
A new study reveals how sika deer foraging is causing soil erosion, reducing the growth of Japanese beech trees. The research found that exposed roots are more vulnerable to water loss, affecting tree health and increasing vulnerability to climate change and pests.
A study published in Science found that an invasive ant species is altering tree cover in an East African wildlife area, making it harder for lions to hunt their preferred prey, zebras. The ant's arrival has shifted predator-prey behavior, potentially jeopardizing lion populations already on the brink of endangerment.
A study examined nearly 800 large-diameter Douglas-fir trees to determine the most effective methods for creating standing dead trees. The results showed that chain-saw topping is the best way to create snags with significant decay within two decades, while mechanical wounding and fungal inoculation have limited efficacy. This research...
Researchers from Purdue University used deep learning to generate growth models for various tree species, both with and without leaves. The AI models can produce complex tree models with detailed geometry, improving digital forest endeavors.
A study published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation proposes a novel methodology for projecting native tree growth and optimizing timber production in forest restoration. This approach reduces the time to harvest by 25% and increases stand density by 38%, making large-scale forest restoration more attractive to landowners.
Researchers found that evergreen trees with smaller leaves, particularly those with awl-shaped leaves like Yew and Japanese cedar, were most effective at catching particles of pollution. In contrast, the study showed that the size and shape of the leaf, rather than its roughness or hairiness, was key to removing pollutants.
A study published in Science reveals that 82% of endemic species and 65% of all tree species in the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction. The researchers used a novel conservation assessment methodology to estimate the degree of threat, which significantly increased the number of threatened species.
A new analysis reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, with the Western U.S. experiencing a notable slowdown and the Eastern U.S. seeing slightly accelerated growth. This study highlights the urgent need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions to restore the global carbon balance.