Trees in the Amazon Rainforest Older than Previously thought

Researchers from the United States and Brazil have discovered that up to half of the trees in the Amazon forest that larger than ten centimeters in diameter may be over three-hundred years old. The radiocarbon dating methods used show that some trees may be over 750 years old!

Previously the age of many trees was not known because the trees don't have easily identifiable annual growth rings. However because these trees are so old and grow so slow their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon is much less than previously believed. The trees grow so slow since they grow in soil that is very nutrient poor. Logging may impact the forest more negatively than previously thought, as the trees grow so slow and may take a long time to be replaced.

Tags: trees , amazon forest