In order to understand the number of tree species that exist on the planet, it is crucial to resort to forest inventories. According to recent estimates, the total number of tree species amounts to about 73.300 species, of which it is believed that approximately 9.200 have not yet been discoveredThis figure is 14% higher than previous estimates, demonstrating the vastness of tree biodiversity that remains to be explored.
Most of these unknown species are found in tropical and subtropical areas, being South America one of the continents with the greatest biodiversity, housing nearly 43% of the planet’s tree species.
Major groups of trees: gymnosperms and angiosperms
Trees can be classified into two large botanical groups: gymnosperms and angiospermsGymnosperms, like conifers, are typically evergreen trees with needle-like or scale-like leaves. Among the best known are pines and firs, which remain green all year round. Angiosperms, which make up the majority of tree species on the planet, include deciduous trees such as oaks, ashes and maples, whose leaves fall in the fall.
Ecological importance of trees
The trees They play a vital role in ecosystems, acting as the lungs of the planet by producing oxygen and absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. It is estimated that a single hectare of trees can absorb six tons of CO2 per year, helping to combat global warming.
In addition to their role in the carbon cycle, trees play a key role in soil conservation, preventing erosion and filtering water passing through the roots, which improves water quality and benefits aquatic ecosystems. Trees are also the habitat of countless animal species, from monkeys and birds to insects, which depend on them throughout their entire life cycle.
Additional benefits: Food, medicine and construction
Trees not only contribute to ecosystems, but also to humanity. Many trees provide essential resources such as foods, whether in the form of fruits, seeds or oils. Also, various tree species are used in the manufacture of medicines, such as aspirin, whose active ingredient is found in the bark of willows. In addition, the Construction Industry is heavily dependent on wood, especially in developing countries.
Long-lived trees
A fascinating aspect of trees is their longevity. Some species, such as the bristlecone pines in North America, can live for thousands of years. In contrast, other trees have much shorter life cycles, living only a few decades. Trees also have an extraordinary ability to adapt to their environment, being able to grow in a variety of climatic conditions, from sunny areas to shady, damp areas.
Tree species yet to be discovered
A recent international study has revealed that there are some 9.200 species of trees undiscovered species worldwide. Most of these species are extremely rare and are found in hard-to-reach areas, such as the rainforests of the Amazon basin and the Andean forests. These undiscovered species are particularly vulnerable due to their low population and limited distribution, which puts them at risk from phenomena such as the deforestation and the climate change.
The discovery of these species is crucial to efforts to global conservation, as it could help prioritize habitat protection in regions such as South America, which has the largest number of rare and endemic species on the planet.
This knowledge also highlights the need to use global databases and advanced technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and satellite images, to improve species identification and direct conservation efforts more efficiently.
As more species are discovered and technology improves, we can gain insight into the true biodiversity of our forests, which is critical to sustaining both human and animal life on Earth.
Studying tree species and their habitats not only educates us about the incredible biodiversity of our planet, but reinforces the urgency of taking action to protect these ecosystems before it is too late.