Tag

Plant Life

All articles tagged with #plant life

paleontology1 year ago•2 min saved

"Unearthed: Bizarre 350-Million-Year-Old Tree Astounds Scientists"

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.

via Forbes|

#ancient-tree #evolution #fossil

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Unveiling the Historical Impact of Climate Change through Centuries-old Herbaria and Pressed Flowers

A study conducted by botanists in Italy has demonstrated that changes in plant life due to climate change can be traced by analyzing herbaria collections made by plant enthusiasts over centuries. By comparing plant samples from different time periods in the same area, the researchers observed changes in plant populations, diversity, and the disappearance of certain species. They also noted an increase in non-native species, potentially due to trading, and identified the impact of climate events on plant distribution. The study highlights the long-term effects of climate change on plant ecosystems.

via Phys.org|

#bologna #botanists #climate-change

archaeology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Unearthing Ancient Plant DNA: Secrets Revealed by 2900-Year-Old Royal Palace Brick"

A 2,900-year-old clay brick from the palace of Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II in modern-day Iraq has revealed a treasure trove of ancient plant DNA. The brick, bearing a cuneiform inscription, was found at the National Museum of Denmark and researchers successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from its inner core. By comparing the DNA with modern botanical records and ancient Assyrian plant descriptions, the team identified 34 different taxonomic groups of plants. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of using the technique on other clay artifacts, shedding light on ancient biodiversity and providing valuable context for present-day species loss.

via IFLScience|

#ancient-dna #archaeology #biodiversity-time-capsule

archaeology2 years ago•3 min saved

"Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Plant Life: DNA Extracted from 2,900-Year-Old Clay Brick"

Researchers have successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick originating from the palace of Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II. The brick, currently housed at the National Museum of Denmark, contains a cuneiform inscription dating it precisely to within a decade. By adapting a protocol used for other porous materials, the team extracted DNA from the brick's inner core and identified 34 distinct taxonomic groups of plants, including cabbage and heather. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for extracting genetic material from archaeological clay sources worldwide, providing valuable insights into past flora and fauna and aiding in the understanding of ancient civilizations.

via Phys.org|

#ancient-dna #archaeology #biodiversity