Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in a deserted quarry near Cairo, New York – the world’s oldest forest, dating back 385 million years. The fossils found in rocks at the site preserve the petrified roots of ancient trees, shedding light on a pivotal moment in Earth’s history. These roots played a crucial role in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, shaping the climate and ultimately influencing the atmosphere we know today.
According to a report by BBC, the existence of this ancient forest was already known, but this is the first time researchers have properly investigated it to determine the ages of the plants and trees that once thrived there. The forest exhibited traces of early plants, some of which are believed to have coexisted with dinosaurs.
Experts from the University of Binghamton in the US and the University of Cardiff in Wales estimate that this forest once covered a vast area of approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles). The exploration of the region began in 2019 and involved the examination of diverse plant and tree fossils, leading to the identification of it as the oldest known forest on Earth.
This remarkable discovery falls under the field of palaeobotany, which focuses on the study of ancient plants. Dr. Christopher Berry, a Paleobotanist from Cardiff University, described it as walking through the roots of ancient trees. Interestingly, the ancient trees in this forest did not reproduce through the release of seeds like most contemporary trees. Instead, several fossilized trees relied on spores for reproduction, similar to how fungi disperse and proliferate.
The significance of this ancient forest lies in its contribution to understanding Earth’s ecological development and the role of trees in shaping the planet’s climate over millions of years. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and transformative power of nature.
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