✉news ScienceBiology first seen 12 h ago, last 40 min ago, peak #18
Ancient trees may not be genetic treasure chests, study finds
Original: Ancient trees are not genetic treasure chests, swamp cypress study suggests
A new study of swamp cypress suggests that very old trees do not hold exceptional stores of genetic diversity, challenging the idea that ancient specimens act as unique 'treasure chests' of genetic variation for conservation. Researchers found their genetic makeup does not differ markedly from that of younger trees, a finding that could reshape how conservationists prioritise which trees to protect.
Why now: The findings challenge a common conservation assumption that ancient trees are uniquely valuable genetic reservoirs.
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