Articles tagged with Trees
A comprehensive tree of mammalian evolution puts major diversifications well after dinosaur die-off, casting doubt on their impact. The team constructed a complete evolutionary tree using molecular data and fossil evidence, finding that diversification didn't take off until the Eocene epoch, about 56 to 34 million years ago.
A Smithsonian-led research team has won a scientific prize for their study on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the Amazon ecosystem. The team found that tree communities are rapidly changing in forest fragments due to ecological changes near the margins, posing a significant threat to Amazonian biodiversity.
Researchers found that asexual bdelloid rotifers have evolved independently into distinct entities, with genetic and morphological cohesion within populations and divergence between them. This suggests that factors other than interbreeding control species cohesion and divergence in these organisms.
A University of Alberta study reveals that tundra treelines are advancing at a faster pace than previously thought, leading to significant changes in vegetation and habitat loss. The researchers found that warmer temperatures triggered an 'upslope surge' of trees, forcing out native species and altering the landscape.
Research in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, reveals that elephants' preference for marula fruits poses a risk to female Marula trees, which are more susceptible to damage and death. The study suggests that evolution may have favored the development of trees with better resprouting abilities to counter this selective pressure.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have developed a 'whey-based fungal micro-factory' to combat the eastern hemlock tree's decline due to an exotic pest. The approach involves spraying a sweet whey solution with targeted fungus into infected forests, promoting self-replication and reducing pesticide use.
Researchers found that ski pistes above tree line have fewer species and lower bird numbers compared to natural grassland at similar altitudes. Ecologists warn of potentially serious threat to wildlife habitat conservation in the Alps.
Scientists analyzed rafflesia's genome to determine its closest relatives are in the Euphorbiaceae family, with blossoms just a few millimeters in diameter. The plant's massive increase in flower size over millions of years is one of the most significant among living organisms.
A large-scale study reveals that soil composition significantly influences where certain tree species grow in tropical forests. Researchers found strong associations between tree species and nutrient distributions, suggesting differences in nutrient requirements among trees may help explain coexistence.
In semi-arid environments, trees have evolved to access moisture from bedrock fractures and quickly recover when heavy rains occur. Understanding these surface-atmosphere interactions is crucial for predicting water supplies and managing scarce resources.
Red squirrels have figured out a way to predict spruce tree seed crops months in advance and bet on the most abundant harvests. By producing second litters before bumper crop seasons, they increase their chances of survival and reproductive success.
The production of frankincense is declining in the Horn of Africa due to intensive tapping, which diverts carbohydrates from reproductive organs. The study suggests that less intensive tapping procedures and rest periods are needed to ensure sustainable production.
A new study reveals that planting trees can help slow down global warming, particularly in tropical rainforests where they absorb carbon dioxide and increase cloudiness. However, afforestation in mid- to high-latitude locations may actually create a net warming effect due to the albedo effect of forest canopies.
Scientists have created a reversible, non-destructive chilling method to study below-ground carbon allocation in trees. This technique temporarily interrupts carbon movement and leaves the tree alive, allowing for accurate measurement of carbon storage.
The study found that different seed dispersal methods, such as gravity and wind, result in distinct patterns of tree clustering in tropical forests. Trees with ballistic dispersal tend to cluster tightly, while those with wind-dispersed seeds have surprisingly tight clusters due to the dense forest canopy.
Research reveals that Amazonian forests are undergoing a rapid transformation as a result of fragmentation, leading to the loss of rare and slow-growing tree species. The study found that small, fast-growing trees store less carbon, contributing to global warming.
Researchers found that northern forest fires could lead to a net cooling effect due to the reflection of sunlight by deciduous trees with light green leaves. This study suggests re-examining strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through ecosystem management.
Scientists at UCI found that forest fires can lead to cooling of the northern climate due to increased snow reflectivity. This study suggests that preventing boreal forest fires could have unintended consequences on global temperatures.
A new method of measuring forest cover considers volume, biomass, and captured carbon, showing a growing trend in most countries. Richer nations with higher GDP per capita tend to have more forested areas, biomass, and carbon.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that cougar predation has a significant impact on the environment, leading to severe ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in Zion National Park. The 'trophic cascade' effect, where the decline of a major predator leads to changes in herbivore populations and behavior, is ev...
Researchers found that waxed and inactive tree frogs have similar metabolic rates as unwaxed, dehydrating frogs, challenging the idea of a hibernation-like dormant state. Tree frogs use wiping behaviors to conserve energy by reducing surface evaporation by up to 4%, but this does not lead to significant changes in metabolic rate.
A new University of Florida study finds that live oaks are dying off as they are crowded and overshadowed by the encroachment of taller trees, threatening their survival. The study's co-authors mapped crown densities in Alachua County, Florida, revealing that sweet gum, black cherry, and magnolia are among the culprits.
Researchers have successfully unraveled the first tree genome, that of the poplar, revealing approximately 45,000 genes. This knowledge can help accelerate bio-ethanol production and improve trees' efficiency in processing biomass for paper and energy.
Scientists sequenced the first complete tree genome, poplar, to develop sustainable plantation forestry and biofuels production. The research identified over 45,000 protein-coding genes and 93 genes associated with cellulose production.
Researchers at MIT have found a unique cloud forest in Oman where trees extract moisture from passing clouds, but the ecosystem is under threat from over-grazing camels. The trees' ability to collect water from fog may not be enough to recover if the camels continue to eat too much foliage.
A NASA-funded study uses satellite data to monitor forest growth and health, detecting the effects of climate change on tree species and forest composition. The MODIS dataset shows a strong link between forest productivity and the number of tree species, enabling scientists to better predict future changes.
A recent study published in Science found that the number of tree species consumed by rainforest insects is comparable to those in temperate forests. The research, led by University of Minnesota plant biologist George Weiblen, rejects the notion that tropical insects are picky eaters who prefer fewer host plants.
Researchers found that loblolly pines growing under elevated carbon-dioxide concentrations fared better during and after a major ice storm than those with current levels. The study suggests that forests may suffer less damage during each ice storm event in a future with higher atmospheric CO2.
Genetic analysis of Alaskan spruce trees reveals a tree refuge in Alaska during the last glacial period, suggesting slower migration rates than previously thought. The findings have important implications for understanding plant responses to climate change and conserving biodiversity.
Scientists found that genetic diversity in foundation species, like the cottonwood tree, drives the structure of entire ecosystems. This knowledge has far-reaching implications for conservation efforts and understanding the impact of genetically modified organisms on landscapes.
The Laccaria genome sequence will provide critical insights into the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, enabling faster-growing trees with enhanced biomass production. The study highlights the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to mitigate climate change.
A recent study published in Science found a direct link between tropical tree species diversity and the diversity of leaf-eating insects. The research team compared insect feeding habits in temperate and tropical forests, concluding that higher tree diversity supports more insect species.
Researchers study the impact of changing river hydrology, exotic pests, land development, and sociopolitical and economic factors on tupelo honey production. Beekeepers face difficulties in producing honey, with some colonies losing up to 50% due to infestations.
Plant diseases such as Dutch elm disease and dogwood anthracnose threaten urban tree health, while environmental stresses like flooding and pollution harm their vitality. Urban forestry experts emphasize the importance of managing these issues for community well-being.
Scientists found that the same mechanism regulates vein formation in leaves and branches, changing plant development studies. The discovery sheds light on plant growth and may lead to new ways of manipulating plant development.
Researchers found evidence of ancient fig domestication at Gilgal I site, suggesting humans selectively propagated a parthenocarpic mutant around 11,400 years ago. This marked the beginning of agriculture and a significant change in human history.
Researchers have identified the genes CO and FT responsible for tree flowering and reproduction, which could lead to faster breeding programs and strategies. This breakthrough may also help predict how trees will respond to climate change.
Researchers used tree-ring records and gauged streamflows to reconstruct historic Colorado River streamflows, dating back to 1490. The reconstructions suggest that droughts more severe than the recent 100-year period occurred in the past, with at least eight droughts similar in severity to the 2000-2004 drought.
Scientists have discovered that ancient genes, including Constans (CO) and Flowering Locus T (FT), dictate flowering and fall bud set in trees. This finding has significant implications for understanding tree maturation and adaptation to climate change, as well as speeding up tree breeding.
A team of Swedish scientists has discovered a key gene controlling tree growth and development, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind flowering and dormancy. The findings hold promise for revolutionizing forest tree breeding and improving pulp, paper, construction, and bioenergy production.
A team of scientists has found that Pakistan experienced its wettest period in over 1,000 years during the 20th century, with precipitation rates increasing significantly. The study used ancient juniper tree rings to estimate humidity conditions and found parallels with global warming.
Researchers found that garlic mustard targets arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, harming native plants and disrupting their growth. The invasive plant's phytochemical poisons disrupt native plants' mycorrhizal associations, stunting their growth.
A recent study challenges metabolic ecology models, which failed to explain tropical forest structure and dynamics. Instead, researchers found that environmental conditions and species traits play a crucial role in shaping these ecosystems.
Researchers investigate tropical forest structure, uncovering intricate relationships between tree diversity, spatial distribution, and environmental factors. The study reveals that tropical forests exhibit complex characteristics that resist simplistic explanations, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding of these ecosystems.
Researchers found that forest degradation and human presence significantly influence the prevalence of parasitic nematodes in red colobus monkeys. The study's results suggest that easily measurable indices like stump density can predict host-parasite dynamics and inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered that the sweetgum tree contains significant amounts of shikimic acid, a key ingredient in the production of Tamiflu, a treatment for bird flu. This finding could help alleviate the global shortage of the drug, which has sparked concerns over a potential pandemic.
A study on the 2002 Biscuit Fire in Oregon found that fuel treatments significantly reduced tree damage and mortality. The research team measured the effects of two fuel treatments, including thinning and underburning, and concluded that reducing fine fuels is crucial for minimizing overstory tree damage.
A study of fossilized spiders from the Baltic and Dominican regions provides new insights into ancient spider ecologies. The research found that web-spinning spiders were larger in Baltic amber than in Dominican amber, with the size difference attributed to the type of trees in each region.
A landmark study reveals that older trees in tropical forests are more diverse than younger ones, suggesting that diversity is selected for as each forest matures. This finding highlights the importance of ecological value to species diversity in these complex ecosystems.
A recent study found that biodiversity arises from the same underlying processes in tropical rainforests and Minnesota prairies. Rare trees may have an advantage due to reduced vulnerability to predators and resource competition.
Researchers found that tap roots in deep-rooted plants transfer rainwater to reservoirs underground, redistributing water upwards during dry periods, increasing photosynthesis and transpiration. This effect can increase carbon uptake by 40% and impact global climate globally.
After a high-severity fire, natural conifer regeneration can occur, with seedlings per acre reaching up to 300, but logging reduces this by 71%. Logging can also produce fine fuels that increase fire risk. The study suggests leaving dead trees standing may reduce re-burn risks.
Conifers like Christmas trees survive due to efficient microscopic valves that allow water flow as easily as in flowering trees. The study found resistance to water flow was only 1.2 times greater in conifers, enabling them to dominate forests despite their shorter pipes.
A new study led by Duke University suggests that growing tree plantations to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere may trigger environmental changes that outweigh some of its benefits. The research found that these plantations would lead to water and nutrient depletion, increased soil salinity and acidity, and decreased stream flow.
Researchers found that up to half of Amazon's oldest trees are over 300 years old, with some reaching 1,000 years. This challenges previous studies suggesting the Amazon can absorb more carbon dioxide than predicted.
Research from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Carnegie Institution suggests that planting trees in the US could cool the Earth for a few decades, but lead to planetary warming in the long term. Tropical forests, however, can help keep global temperatures cool by evaporating water and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Research suggests that elephants may be 'tipsy' due to marula tree bark containing a beetle pupae, not ethanol from the fruit. A high diet of marula fruit is unlikely to cause intoxication in three-ton elephants.
Research suggests past fires can predict vegetation composition and structure by analyzing tree rings. This insight helps scientists understand the role of fire in shaping ecosystems over time.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that nesting preferences are a crucial factor in determining whether an invasive ant species will establish itself. According to researchers, ground-nesting and arboreal ants with specific biological characteristics are more likely to succeed. The stu...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis report that Central American farmers have preserved genetic variation in the jocote by growing it locally for family consumption. This practice, despite large-scale deforestation, has helped maintain diversity in the species through multiple domestications.