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Ancient trees and modern science: What surprising stories does the evolution of Dipterocarpaceae reveal?
Amid the majestic landscapes of tropical forests, trees of the Dipterocarpaceae family dominate some of the richest ecosystems on Earth. This plant family, which has 22 genera and about 695 known species, is mainly distributed in northern South America, Africa, India, the Indochina Peninsula and Southeast Asia, with the most amazing diversity in Borneo. These trees are not only a breathtaking sight in the rainforest, but also play an irreplaceable role in local and global ecosystems.
The family name of Dipterocarpaceae comes from its representative genus Dipterocarpus, which means "two-winged fruit".
Plants of the family Dipterocarpaceae are usually found high up in the forest, growing to heights of 40 to 70 meters, with some species able to grow to over 80 meters. In Sabah's Danum Valley, the Menara tree (Shorea faguetiana) is the tallest known living tree, reaching a height of 93 meters. These trees are important in the timber trade, but over-logging, illegal logging and habitat conversion have put some species at risk of extinction.
Evolution and classification
The evolution of Dipterocarpaceae has amazed scientists. According to the latest genetic research, the Dipterocarpaceae of Asia and the Sarcolaenaceae family unique to Madagascar have a common ancestor, suggesting that trees dominated by Dipterocarpaceae may have originated in the huge supercontinent of Gondwana in the southern hemisphere. However, the race's deep roots are not limited to Asia, and evidence suggests its origins may date back to the Middle Cretaceous in Africa.
The seed and fruit characteristics of Dipterocarpaceae, including the two-winged fruit, provide scientists with important clues to study evolution.
Ecology and Habitat
In the lowland tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, trees of the family Dipterocarpaceae dominate. The ecological function of these tree species is to maintain the function and structure of local forests. The habitat they provide is vital to countless plants and animals. In addition to providing pallet and decking materials, these tree species also make an important contribution to climate regulation and carbon storage, and are an indispensable part of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
Impacts of climate changeAs global climate change intensifies, the survival of trees in the Dipterocarpaceae family is threatened. Studies have shown that climate change could reduce suitable habitat for some species by 21% to 28%. For example, recent studies have shown that climate change is pushing some species to higher altitudes, forcing them to change the habitats where they live.
Protected area planning needs to be enhanced through species distribution models to adapt to changing environments.
Future Outlook and Conservation Actions
The conservation of trees in the Dipterocarpaceae family needs to be fundamentally improved. Because they play a critical role in ecosystems, effective conservation measures are not only about the survival of these tree species, but also about the health of the entire ecosystem. Strengthening existing protected areas and making them refuges for species survival will be an important direction for the future.
After decades of development, the study of Dipterocarpaceae has not only revealed its rich evolutionary history, but also made us aware of the challenges faced by these precious trees. In the face of climate change and environmental stress, are we able to protect these ancient trees and the ecosystems they support?
