A rare fossil dating back 350 million years has been discovered in New Brunswick, Canada, showcasing an ancient tree with a peculiar pom-pom-like canopy of long, spiky leaves that extends at least 18 feet from spiraling branches around a 6-inch diameter trunk. Named Sanfordiacaulis densifolia, the tree existed in the "sub-canopy zone" and is considered one of evolution's experiments during a time of biodiversification in plant life. The fossils, preserved due to a catastrophic earthquake, offer insight into the complex and varied forms of plant life during the Early Carboniferous period.
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in northern England for the deliberate felling of an ancient tree that stood next to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tree, known as Sycamore Gap, was a beloved icon of the landscape and featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves. The vandalism has caused shock and anger in the local community, and the teenager is currently in police custody assisting with inquiries.
The Wollemi pine, often referred to as a "living fossil" due to its ancient lineage dating back to the age of dinosaurs, is facing a dire threat of extinction. With fewer than 60 plants remaining in the wild, this rare species is highly inbred and has a limited genetic diversity. Researchers have sequenced its genome, revealing its ability to survive and decline over millions of years. The study also highlights the vulnerability of the Wollemi pine to hotter and drier conditions, making it more susceptible to wildfires. As climate change intensifies, the future of this unique tree species becomes increasingly uncertain.
