Groundbreaking Study Uncovers Ancient Plant Ages

In an abandoned quarry near Cairo, New York, scientists have uncovered the world’s oldest forest preserved in rocks dating back 385 million years. Although the existence of this ancient forest was previously known, it’s the first comprehensive study to determine the ages of the plants and trees within it.

Fossilized roots provide a window into the past, revealing an ancient forest that spanned approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles). This research falls under the field of palaeobotany, where “paleo” signifies old or ancient, and “botany” pertains to the study of plants.

Unlike modern trees that reproduce via seeds, these ancient trees relied on spores for reproduction, similar to fungi. This discovery challenges our understanding of ancient ecosystems and how plant life evolved over millions of years.

Beyond its historical significance, this ancient forest played a crucial role in extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, contributing to significant climate change. This finding adds an essential piece to the puzzle of Earth’s geological and environmental evolution.