We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Environment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

When Did Earth’s Earliest Forests Take Root?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Share

Approximately 31% of Earth’s total land area (some 10 billion acres) is covered by forests. But when did woodlands first take root on our planet?

Recent findings by researchers at Cardiff University and the University of Cambridge have shed some light on this difficult question. Recently published in the Journal of the Geological Society, their study unveils details of the world's earliest known fossilized forest.

This ancient forest, dating back a staggering 390 million years, was unearthed from the sandstone cliffs along the Devon and Somerset coasts of southwest England, near Minehead on the south bank of the Bristol Channel.

Vaguely similar in appearance to modern-day palm trees or tree ferns, the trees of the fossilized forest belonged to the extinct Calamophyton genus. Rather than solid wood trunks, they had hollow trunks with branches covered in twigs (but no leaves). They were quite short, with the largest standing around 13 feet (4 m) tall. Alongside the Calamophyton trees, the researchers identified numerous other plant fossils, plant debris, tree logs, sedimentary structures, and root traces.

The Calamophyton fossils are the oldest trees ever found in Britain and the oldest known forest on Earth, taking the record from the Gilboa Fossil Forest in Schoharie County, New York. Though also from the Devonian period, the Gilboa tree stumps are thought to be around four million years younger than the Somerset fossils.

More about fossilized forests:

  • During the Devonian period (between 419 million and 358 million years ago), the geography of Europe was drastically different from how it appears today. At that time, the area where the fossilized forest was discovered was connected to regions of Germany and Belgium further south, rather than being part of Britain.

  • The emergence of forests during the Devonian period was a pivotal moment in Earth's history, as plants transitioned from wetlands to form inland woodlands, reshaping the planet's climate and giving rise to more complex habitats. The intricate root systems of these ancient trees played a crucial role in stabilizing sediment and altering the course of rivers and coastlines, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape.

  • Although the Devonian period is called “The Age of the Fishes” due to the incredible proliferation of marine creatures, land animals also became well-established during this period, especially arthropods.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.
Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/when-did-earths-earliest-forests-take-root.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.