22 Million-Year-Old Forest (and New Species) Discovered on Remote Island in Panama

Researchers recently discovered a lost mangrove forest on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama Canal. Amazingly, the forest dates back over 22 million years to the Early Miocene! Let’s see what this discovery tells us about a previously unknown mangrove species!

Volcanic Activity Preserved the Forest

The forest was likely buried and fossilized by a single volcanic event, so all at once. Furthermore, sedimentary and rock analyses suggest the trees once grew in river or ocean environments. This detail contributes to how the volcanic activity was able to preserve the trees in exceptional detail.

New Mangrove Species Identified

The new species, named Sonneratioxylon barrocoloradoensis, was identified from the fossilized wood discovered on the island. In fact, researchers found 121 specimens of this species on the island, which is definitely enough evidence for a forest. Moreover, this species was previously unknown to science, so these are the first 121 specimens ever discovered.

Radiometric Dating of Fossils

Radiometric dating, which uses elements such as carbon to date organic materials, placed the fossils in the Aquitanian stage of the Early Miocene. During this time, central Panama was still connected to North America. Then, the region experienced intense volcanic activity, contributing to the fossilization process.

Similarities to Southeast Asian Mangroves

Interestingly, the wood anatomy of the fossilized mangroves is similar to species found in Southeast Asia. This suggests a possible historical connection between the regions that allowed to plant to end up in both regions, even if in slightly different forms. Now, researchers are studying these similarities to learn more about the forest’s history.

Towering Mangrove Heights

The fossilized mangroves could grow up to 131 feet tall. This height vastly surpasses that of modern mangrove forests, so take what you can imagine of today’s mangrove forests and make that much much bigger. The size and scale of ancient mangrove ecosystems make our versions look like they got shrunk!

Mangrove Forest Environment

Mangrove forests thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. This means they can withstand saltwater and fluctuating tides by using their roots to filter the salt out of the water. Usefully these characteristics allowed the ancient mangrove forest to thrive in its coastal environment.

Importance of Barro Colorado Island

Barro Colorado Island has been a hub for scientific research since its creation by the Panama Canal in 1913. Since then, it has provided unique opportunities to study tropical biology and ecology in a tropical climate. However, the mangrove forest was only just discovered on this island and is one of its coolest discoveries to date.

A Living Laboratory

The island is home to one of the oldest tropical research stations in the world. It is known as a “rainforest-covered living laboratory,” which presents a unique opportunity for many of the researchers who work there. For the most part, researchers study diverse ecological and biological processes on Barro Colorado Island.

Ongoing Research Opportunities

The discovery of the ancient mangrove forest opens up new research opportunities. Now scientists can study the evolution and history of mangroves in Central America, which could provide insights into past climate conditions. I imagine the prospect of new questions to find answers to is very exciting for researchers, especially those on an island with so many previous discoveries.

Expanding Knowledge of Fossil Forests

The fossilized mangrove forest contributes to our understanding of ancient ecosystems. Specifically, it provides a rare glimpse into the Miocene period’s flora, or plant life. Moving forward, studying these fossils helps us reconstruct past environments and ecological interactions.

Preserving Fossil Sites

Preserving fossil sites like Barro Colorado Island is crucial for scientific research. In fact, these sites offer valuable information about Earth’s history that may not be available anywhere else. Consequently, continued protection is necessary to ensure that future discoveries can be made.

Conclusion

The discovery of the ancient mangrove forest on Barro Colorado Island is a significant scientific breakthrough. It reveals a previously unknown species and provides insights into ancient ecosystems that helped pave the way for our mangrove forests today. Most importantly, this finding highlights the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts in uncovering Earth’s past.