The world’s forests may hold more secrets than previously thought: a new global estimate of tree biodiversity suggests that there are about 9,200 tree species yet to be discovered. ArborDay
The world’s forests may hold more secrets than previously thought: a new global estimate of tree biodiversity suggests that there are about 9,200 tree species yet to be discovered. Most of these species are likely in the tropics, according to the new research, which was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.
The new research drew on the efforts of hundreds among that rare breed from around the world. These contributors have cataloged trees in two huge data sets: One, the Global Forest Biodiversity Initiative, records every species found in extensively documented forest plots around the globe. The other, TREECHANGE, compiles sightings of individual species.
To arrive at their estimate of 9,200 still unknown trees, the researchers extrapolated from the number of rare trees already in the databases. They used this strategy because most unknown trees on the earth are likely to be rare species, found in limited numbers in small geographical areas, says study co-author and Purdue University quantitative forest ecologist Jingjing Liang.
Silman says the study result is likely an underestimate. He and his colleagues have used local survey-based methods to estimate that there are at least 3,000 and possibly more than 6,000 unknown trees in the Amazon basin alone. Tree species often get lumped together based on appearance, he adds, so new genetic analysis techniques will likely lead to the discovery of even more biodiversity.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Gardening: Plant a tree to mark Arbor Week in SaskatoonThe province has declared the last week of May a permanent Arbor Week and Saskatoon is pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion
Weiterlesen »
Increased infectious disease risk likely from climate changeClimate change will result in thousands of new viruses spread among animal species by 2070 — and that's likely to increase the risk of emerging infectious diseases jumping from animals to humans, according to a new study.
Weiterlesen »
New Species of Deep-Sea Crown Jelly Discovered in Pacific Ocean | Sci-News.comMarine biologists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have described an unusually large and distinctive deep-sea crown jelly with coiled tentacles in the family Atollidae.
Weiterlesen »
Birding in Texas: Thousands flock to view more than 300 species of birdsBird is a verb… and birding attracts people from all over the world. Especially this time of year.
Weiterlesen »
Monarchs Take Generations to Make Annual South-North JourneyCitizen science data reveal how the declining species travels from its southern wintering site to its northern breeding grounds
Weiterlesen »