Earth's earliest forest discovered in SW England

In summary, scientists have discovered the Earth's earliest known forest in southwest England, dating back around 400 million years to the Devonian period. This ancient forest, comprised mainly of primitive trees and plants, provides valuable insights into the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems and the transition of life from water to land. The discovery highlights the significance of early forests in shaping the planet's atmosphere and ecology.
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In this paper we report evidence for a previously unrecognized cladoxylopsid forest landscape, archived within the Eifelian Hangman Sandstone Formation of Somerset and Devon, SW England. This unit has previously been considered palaeobotanically depauperate but is here shown to contain the earliest fossil evidence for such trees in the British record, as well as the oldest known evidence globally for the relative position of standing trees:
Paper here. https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/abs/10.1144/jgs2023-204

Article here https://phys.org/news/2024-03-earth-earliest-forest-revealed-somerset.html

"The record of fossil forests, where tree bases are preserved where they were living, so far dates back to those discovered in New York State, at Cairo and Gilboa at about 385 million years.

"Although the area of rock exposure is limited and dangerous to access, our new discovery is the oldest clear example of such a geological phenomenon known to date and it speaks directly to the ecology of the oldest forests 390 million years ago."
 
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FAQ: Earth's earliest forest discovered in SW England

What is the significance of the discovery of Earth's earliest forest in SW England?

The discovery of Earth's earliest forest in SW England is significant because it provides crucial insights into the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems. It helps scientists understand how early plants adapted to land environments, contributed to the carbon cycle, and influenced the atmosphere, paving the way for the development of more complex ecosystems.

How old is the forest that was discovered in SW England?

The forest is estimated to be around 400 million years old, dating back to the Devonian period. This period is often referred to as the "Age of Fishes," but it also marks a critical time for the emergence of early terrestrial flora.

What types of plants were found in this ancient forest?

The ancient forest primarily consisted of primitive vascular plants, including early forms of trees and shrubs such as Archaeopteris. These plants had the ability to grow tall and had structures similar to modern trees, which allowed them to compete for sunlight in their environment.

How was the forest discovered?

The forest was discovered through geological surveys and excavations in the region, where researchers identified fossilized remains of plant life. These fossils provided evidence of the forest's structure and composition, leading to the recognition of its significance in understanding early terrestrial ecosystems.

What can studying this ancient forest tell us about climate change?

Studying this ancient forest can provide valuable information about past climate conditions and how ecosystems responded to changes in the environment. By understanding how these early forests contributed to atmospheric changes and carbon sequestration, scientists can gain insights into the potential impacts of current climate change and inform future conservation efforts.

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