The international scientists group from the US and Brunei discovered the fossil leaves of Dryobalanops Rappa or Driobalanopse tree (Local Name – Kapur Paya), whose age was over 2 million years. This is the first direct paleontological proof of the presence of a modern tree species in the old tropical forests of Asia. Opening Published on Scientific broadcasting American Botanic Magazine (AJB).
The team detected fossils in the microscopic details of the leaf cuticle. The comparison showed a coincidence with the modern Dryobalanops Rappa type, which is only threatened to disappear in Borneo’s peat forests.
Dryobalanops Rappa belongs to the family of the Giant Trees, which plays an important role in carbon storage and protection of biodiversity. However, these species disappear rapidly due to the cutting of forests and the destruction of peat swamps.
Prior to this discovery, paleontological data in the tropical forests of Asia were extremely small compared to Amazon and Africa. Now scientists have proved that there were modern tree species here during the Pliocene period.
Scientists plan to continue looking for a fossil in Southeast Asia to restore the full picture of the evolution of tropical forests. This can help develop measures to protect endangered species and living spaces.
Previously, researchers open The secret of survival of plants with the greatest destruction in world history.
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Source: Gazeta
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