A new discovery has been made on Borneo, the third largest island in the world. By examining the fossil leaves they found, the researchers discovered a forest that still nurtures biodiversity. this forest 4 million years It is said to exist and to host a large ecosystem.

As a result of the research, scientists say the current landscape, dominated by dipterocarp trees, is between 2 and 5 million.

Fossil leaves enable discovery of forest of 4 million

Borneo, with more than half of the other species worldwide 270 dipterocarps host species. The very important island also plays an important role in supporting the currently critically endangered tropical Asian biodiversity.

From Pennsylvania State University on this topic paleobotanist Peter Wilf† “This is the first evidence that the dominant lifestyle characteristic of the dipterocarp trees of Borneo and all Asian wet tropics is not only present, but even dominant,” he said. He also said: “We have found far more dipterocarp fossils than any other plant group.He ended with his statements.

According to the researchers, it is dipterocarpsIt is one of the tallest tropical trees in the world and some individuals are said to grow up to 100 meters. However, team leader Wilf stated that it is difficult to come across rock fossils of its leaves because of the cover provided by the forests and soils.

The research in question brought together both leaf and fossil pollen; An ancient site surrounded by tropical lowland rainforest with a variety of ferns and an abundance of vines. mangrove and it also describes the swamp world.

†We are really starting to see what the environment looked like millions of years ago.‘ said Wilf, ‘Although these habitats have been cut off in much of tropical Asia, they were very similar to what you would find there now.” statements made.

The researchers state that preserving and extending protection is the top priority, saying that thanks to pollination and a large nutrient-rich seed store, dipterocarp trees; proboscis monkeys, cloudy leopardssun bears and rhinoceros horns He underlined that it is the basis of life for many species of flora and fauna, including:

Announcing that they will be doing more research into the region’s history, scientists hope the fossils in the tropics will give them more mysterious information.