Posted on 01/13/2024 10:06:59 PM PST by Red Badger
The ancient forest displayed traces of early plants, with some believed to have existed during the time of dinosaurs.
The region's cartography commenced half a decade ago, dating back to 2019.
Researchers have discovered the planet's most ancient forest within a deserted quarry near Cairo, New York. Embedded in rocks dating back 385 million years, these fossils preserve the petrified roots of numerous ancient trees. This discovery signifies a pivotal moment in Earth's timeline. As trees developed these roots, they played a crucial role in extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, sequestering it and triggering a significant transformation in the planet's climate, ultimately shaping the atmosphere we experience today.
BBC reported that the team already knew the ancient forest existed, but this was the first time it was properly investigated to find out the ages of plants and trees growing there.
The ancient forest displayed traces of early plants, with some believed to have existed during the time of dinosaurs.
Researchers from the University of Binghamton in the US and the University of Cardiff in Wales estimate that the forest once covered an expansive area of approximately 400 kilometres, equivalent to around 250 miles.
The region's cartography commenced half a decade ago, dating back to 2019.
Through the examination of fossils from diverse plants and trees within the area, researchers unveiled it as the Earth's oldest known forest. Notable ancient forests include the Amazon rainforest and Japan's Yakushima Forest.
Their discovery involves the study of palaeobotany. Paleo means old, or ancient, and botany is the study of plants - so it means studying ancient plants.
"You are walking through the roots of ancient trees," Dr Christopher Berry, Paleobotanist, Cardiff University.
In contrast to the majority of contemporary trees, the ancient trees present in this forest did not propagate through the release of seeds that develop into new trees.
Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com Several fossilized trees discovered in this forest relied on spores for reproduction. The term "spores" might sound familiar if you've studied fungi, as they similarly disperse and proliferate by releasing spores into the air.
PING!................
Back when CO2 was seven times higher than it is now trees grew like weeds.
And taller......................
Boy, this is fascinating!
You’re on a roll tonight RB!
Amazing that it was “just discovered” in NY. I’d expect such a rare mystery would be discovered in an area with little population..
Obviously, no forest on earth is any older than that.
I’m no botanist, but I’m pretty sure there was forest on earth more than 385 million years ago.
Is it coal?
Never mind, apparently no coal in NY.
Well, of course there was, but there are no fossils from that time..........yet......
Fossil.................
Ancient is the wrong word. It should be properly called primordial or primeval.
My late father, after getting out of farming, took a job at a granite quarry in North Carolina. One day he brought home some rocks that had fossilized plants. They looked like ancient ferns. I was twelve and was eager to show my teacher the next day. She thought it was pretty cool.
Fred and Barney weren’t.........................
Can you still burn trees that are embedded in rocks?
What would a violin made from this wood sound like?
They could be called Fossilvarious.
AND a road! Wait... maybe that’s a dinosaur trail.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.