The evolution of trees began not in the canopy, but beneath our feet.
In short: Paleobotanists once focused on the height of ancient plants to trace tree evolution. However, evidence suggests that the true origin of trees lies in the development of woody root systems found on the forest floor 420 million years ago.
Around 420 million years ago, the landscape of present-day New York featured plants that lacked the appearance of modern trees. While these organisms did not resemble the tall, branching structures we recognize today, they possessed a critical evolutionary innovation: roots constructed from wood.
This discovery shifts the scientific perspective on forest history, suggesting that the structural foundation of trees emerged underground long before they reached for the sky. By examining these early root systems, researchers are gaining a clearer understanding of how the first forests established themselves.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: When Trees Took Over the World
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