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عكس السير
Ancient 5000-year-old tree reveals hidden world
A recent study reveals that the giant Fitzroya cupressoides trees in Chile are not just thousands of years old; they are also vital reservoirs of underground biodiversity. Rich fungal communities inhabit beneath their surfaces, increasing in diversity and abundance as the tree ages and grows larger. Among the trees examined, the "Alerce Abuelo" is estimated to be over 2,400 years old, with the oldest specimens possibly reaching 5,484 years, making them some of the oldest living trees. The findings show that fungal richness and diversity double beneath these colossal trees, especially mycorrhizal fungi that play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients, thereby helping plants cope with harsh environmental conditions. Currently, these trees are endangered due to habitat destruction, wildfires, and climate change. Researchers emphasize that losing a single giant tree could result in the loss of an entire ecosystem that has developed over millennia, highlighting the importance of protecting these trees to ensure the sustainability of the broader ecological network and its vital components.
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