World's oldest forest fossil discovered, 385 million years old |

Read Karapaia's original article here.

LandIt is said that there are more than 3 trillion fragrant trees;milky wayIt even surpasses the stars.

These trees from the airCarbon DioxideIt absorbs water, protects soil from erosion, distributes water within the ecosystem, and nourishes countless forms of life, making it an indispensable presence for us humans.

The roots that spread out from the stem are like a plant's digestive system, exchanging water and nutrients from the surrounding soil. They also act as anchors to hold the plant up, supporting the trunks, branches and leaves that grow high and wide above the ground.

However, trees did not look like they do now when they first appeared on Earth, and how trees developed underground plumbing systems remained a mystery.

However AmericaNew YorkstateCairoA 385-million-year-old forest fossil discovered in the suburbs may help solve the mystery.

[صورة]Devonian Forest 385 million years ago

“Current Biology』（December 19According to a study published inNew YorkstateCairoThe world's oldest forest fossils discovered in the suburbs date back to the Devonian period, 385 million years ago, before the seed plants that now flourish on land appeared.

・I want to read it too →Amazing Vitality! The “Tree of Life” Continues to Stand on the Edge of a Torn Cliff

The root remains left in this forest are said to be very similar to those of modern trees. In other words, the roots appear to have evolved at a very early stage and are still in use today.

The fossil roots spread about 5.5 m around the trunk and are buried deep in the soil. They are strong and complexly branched, with fine roots extending from their tips.

researchBe part of a groupNew YorkBinghamton State UniversityWilliamThe look is “surprisingly modern,” Stein said.

The world's oldest fossil forest in Cairo, New York

A revolutionary species has emerged in the plant world.

This root is the oldest known tree.Archaeopteris“It has been found.

This tree is new.oakorMapleIt had flat green leaves perfect for soaking up sunlight, and a thick, beautiful trunk that allowed it to grow tall.

This time, it was also revealed that they were equipped with efficient roots that could effectively utilize resources. It is speculated that by taking full advantage of these three characteristics, they spread their influence throughout the world at the end of the Devonian period.

“It’s a revolution,” Stein explains. “Many of these traits, which are signs of a high metabolic rate, all appeared in Archaeopteris almost miraculously.”

Cairo Forest and Gilboa Forest

CairoGilboa is located 40 kilometers west of the United States and is home to what is believed to be the oldest petrified forest. There are modernfern plantis similar to “espermatopteris(Eospermatopteris)” was growing.

EwwSpellMatopetris isCairoIt is also often seen in forests, suggesting that it was quite adaptable. However, its roots are shallow and delicate, and it is believed that it would have been replaced by the next generation within a year or two.

On the other hand, Archaeopteris never extended its reach into the Gilboa Forest.BerryAccording to him, the reason seems to be that the soil was a bit too wet for deep-rooted plants.CairoIn casenormalThere was apparently a long dry season, allowing Archaeopteris to spread its roots deep without worrying about root rot.

Although the distance is tens of kilometers and millions of years,CairoStein believes that Gilboa Forest may have been part of the same landscape that once covered the Catskill Mountains.

However, the area has been prone to flooding from time to time. One particularly terrible event occurred hundreds of millions of years ago,CairoThe forest took on its modern form.

The emergence of forests created the modern world.

It is not clear why Archaeopteris developed such effective roots. But regardless of when or what it was, it only covered the surface of the Earth.small sizeThere is no doubt that this represents a major departure from traditional plants.

It was an event that changed the landscape of the entire Earth.

Trees from the airCarbon DioxideWhen it eventually withers, it deposits its particles in the soil, which in turn gives rise to new life. The thick foliage provides shade and protects creatures from the harsh sun.

The roots spread deep into the ground, changing soil chemistry and transporting carbon dioxide to the ocean. The growth of trees has made the entire land more resistant to floods, winds and rain.

Carbon DioxideAs a result, the atmosphere cooled dramatically and the Earth entered an ice age. Some tree species became extinct. However, on the other hand, different species evolved and diversified.

“The emergence of these forests was the creation of the modern world.”BerryHe says.

This discovery also reveals a startling fact about the current state of global warming.

worldInland, forests are being cut down and the carbon (or coal) stored in ancient trees is being extracted. “What’s happening now is the exact opposite of what happened in the Devonian,” Stein says.

References:Smithsonian Mag / Scientific alert/ Written by Hiroshige / Edited by Baromo

Articles from December 28, 2019We will edit and republish it for you.

　
“Click here if you can't see photos, videos or social media.“