The Oldest Living Tree: Exploring the Ancient Alerse in Southern Chile

🌳The alerse in southern Chile is estimated to be almost 5500 years old, making it one of the oldest living tree species on Earth.

🌍By studying the rings in the tree's core, scientists can gather vital information about past climate conditions and use it to predict future climate change accurately.

🚫Tourism and erosion pose a significant threat to the survival of ancient trees like the alerse, whose roots are already exposed due to erosion.

📚Ancient trees serve as historical records, providing insights not only about the tree itself but also about the entire ecosystem for hundreds or thousands of years.

🔬Scientific research and protection efforts are crucial for the preservation of ancient trees and the valuable forests they inhabit.

How old is the alerse tree in southern Chile?

—The alerse tree is estimated to be almost 5500 years old, making it one of the oldest living tree species.

What information can scientists gather from the rings in a tree's core?

—The rings in a tree's core provide valuable data about past climate conditions, such as rainfall and drought patterns, helping scientists predict future climate change.

What are the threats to the survival of ancient trees like the alerse?

—Tourism and erosion pose significant threats to the survival of ancient trees. Erosion exposes the tree's roots, making them vulnerable, while irresponsible tourism can cause harm to these delicate ecosystems.

How do ancient trees serve as historical records?

—The rings in an ancient tree's core can reveal information about the environmental conditions and events of the past, providing valuable historical records for scientists to study.

Why is scientific research and protection important for ancient trees?

—Scientific research and protection efforts are essential for preserving ancient trees and the forests they inhabit. These trees offer insights into past ecosystems and are crucial in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change.

00:00In the temperate rainforests of southern Chile, we explore the alerse, an ancient tree species estimated to be almost 5500 years old.

02:45The alerse, also known as the great grandfather, is an imposing sight with its four-meter-wide trunk and enormous exposed roots.

03:31Jonathan Barichivic demonstrates the traditional method of determining a tree's age using a core sample and highlights the importance of ancient trees in understanding climate change.

08:59Tourism and erosion pose threats to the survival of these ancient trees, as their roots are already exposed due to erosion and vandalism.

10:40Scientific research and protection efforts are crucial for preserving ancient trees and the invaluable forests they inhabit.