Learning From Old Trees
Experts and scientists around the world search for ancient trees, as much can be learned from these very old living plants.
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As ancient trees often have been able to survive natural disasters, extreme weather, humans, and pests, scientists seek to learn a lot from how these trees have managed to live for so long.
A Tree in the United States
While many may believe the oldest tree in the world may be found in areas like Africa or the Middle East, where ancient humans and civilizations once thrived, this isn’t actually the case.
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In reality, the oldest tree in the world is located in the United States — and in the Inyo National Forest, located between the Sierra Nevada range on the California and Nevada border, to be precise.
The Discovery of Methuselah
The oldest living tree in the world was discovered by dendrochronologist Edmund Schulman in 1957. Schulman named the tree “Methuselah” after he found it, a name that it continues to go by.
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The tree was named after the biblical figure that was said to live for more than 900 years. Currently, Methuselah is thought to be about 5,000 years old.
Bristlecone Pines
Methuselah is a bristlecone pine, which is also the oldest tree species in the world. Bristlecone pines can be found in the White Mountains of California.
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These trees — which are also called Pinus Longaeva — are considered “extremophiles” by scientists, thanks to their ability to survive just about anything.
A Long Living Tree Species
Bristlecone pines can survive incredibly harsh environments, as they are slow-growing. This means they can survive very cold temperatures, as well as high winds. They can thrive in dry soils and don’t need long seasons.
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Scientists have found that these trees use a “sectored architecture” to grow, which results in their roots only feeding the parts of the tree that are directly above them. Because of this unique structure, the tree can live for a long time, as only one section of the tree will die if a root dies.
Growing Around Dead Parts
Because of this sectored architecture, bristlecone pines can work around their dead parts. If a root dies, the part right above it dies.
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Then, the tree will simply keep growing. However, it will work around its skeletal parts leftover from its dead aspects.
A Hidden Tree
While Methuselah is still currently alive, scientists and the government aren’t keen on allowing just anyone near it, as they’d like to ensure it keeps living for as long as it can.
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As a result, nobody really knows where Methuselah is, as its location is secret. There aren’t any known pictures of it floating around online, either. All the public knows is that it’s in the Inyo National Forest.
The Oldest Living Thing on the Planet
One of the reasons why experts want to keep Methuselah’s location private is because this tree is considered to be the oldest living single thing on the planet.
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It’s been around for possibly more than 5,000 years. They don’t human interaction to potentially harm its ancient life.
Climate Change Worries
Unfortunately, experts have grown increasingly worried in recent years that Methuselah may have some issues in the near future, thanks to climate change.
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Climate change could negatively impact the health of many of the world’s oldest living trees, including Methuselah. Forest fires remain one of the biggest concerns.
Another Ancient Tree
Previously, another old tree was found to be about 4,900 years old. However, this ancient tree wasn’t found to be this old until after it was cut down.
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A geographer gained permission from the Forest Service to cut down this incredibly old tree, which was named Prometheus. After it was fully cut down, experts realized it was one of the oldest trees around.
An Old Tree in Florida
Though Methuselah is the oldest tree located in the United States — and the world — there are many other very old trees that can be found elsewhere in the country.
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For example, a 400-year-old tree named “Big Tree” is a southern live oak living in Florida. This tree has been struck by lightning at least three times — and survived. It has also experienced many hurricanes over its hundreds of years.