Environmental Corner with Geoffrey Curtis is a regular feature on the Braddon Beagle. Trees play a crucial role in providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, a process that has existed for about two billion years, initially due to cyanobacteria. Notable discoveries include the Bristle Cone Pine, the oldest known living tree at nearly 4,800 years, and the Wollemi Pine, over 60 million years old, which reproduces by cloning. Furthermore, ancient trees demonstrate remarkable interconnectedness, communicating via root systems to support each other. The article invites readers to appreciate and connect with trees in their natural habitats.
