Many people believe that it is possible for certain trees to live forever since certain trees are able to clone themselves. In the wild, many trees clone themselves because there are no other members of the same species nearby to sexually reproduce with. This method has helped to prevent extinction. However, a recent study that was published in the journal PLOS Biology discovered that aspen trees cannot clone themselves forever. In fact they need to sexually reproduce in order to live, if not they will eventually die. Dr. Alley's team discovered that genetic mutations eventually build up with each generation of cloning and that results in a decrease in fertility.
This relates to biology/science concepts because this new study involves botany, and ecology. These scientist have to closely examine the specific ecosystem, the abiotic and biotic factors that contribute to the decline of fertility in the aspen.
It is always interesting to learn new things about our environment especially since trees are very important in supplying us oxygen. This new study shows the importance of reproduction. If aspen trees do not sexually reproduce, even though cloning has been used as a good alternative, they will eventually go extinct. After all reproduction is one of the most important characteristics of life.
Source:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11003684
By Howard Falcon-Lang
Science reporter
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