Orchid Family Tree Existed in Northern Hemisphere 85 Million Years Ago That Could Help With Conservation Plans

The latest report from the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew) discovered that the orchid family can be traced back to the northern hemisphere, and the species likely thrived during the dinosaur time.

Understanding about the orchid family and other species is crucial for conservation planning and efforts. The unique evolution history of orchids will be helpful to save them from decline amidst the threat of climate change and habitat loss.

The latest report was published in the New Phytologist journal. Researchers noted that orchids showed an amazing radiation of flower plants. The Smithsonian explained that orchids are considered or placed as the world's largest plant family, adding that there are about 25,000 species of wild orchids.

Orchid Family Tree Found in Northern Hemisphere

Understanding the family of orchids is crucial for conservation and mitigation efforts, protecting them from rising temperatures and changing climate conditions. Recent reports showed that some species of orchids hold important medical value.

As a result, experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and international researchers traced back the origins of orchids. Based on the recent update, the family tree of orchids was found in the Northern Hemisphere 85 million years ago. At first, orchids were first thought to originate from the supercontinent Gondwana (Australia).

DNA sequence data of the orchid family was helpful for scientists to analyze the species. The study can protect orchids from various threats, including illegal trade, climate change, and tree destruction.

"Generating the 'gene capture' data in the laboratory from such a range of species wouldn't have been possible without the geographical and historical breadth of the collections accessible for research in RBG Kew's Herbarium," Dr. Natalia Przelomska said, as quoted in Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's report published in Phys.org. Dr. Przelomska is also a University of Portsmouth's lecturer.

With the rising threats to plants, fungi and other species, the new findings will contribute to the conservation plans and avoid potential biodiversity loss, particularly orchids can suffer from threats at an alarming rate.

Also Read: Plant Microbiome Can Save Plants From Pesticides, Alarming Diseases

Climate Change Threats to Plants and Other Species

According to the recent NWN report, climate change is an alarming problem that impacts the world's plants and other species. Rising temperatures and drought can cause the decline of crops and plants due to lack of rainfall.

In addition, extreme weather events can threaten plants' significant habitats. Climate change, frequent drought, and devastating weather conditions can make it challenging for plants to thrive.

According to recent reports, plants can suffer from climate stressors, causing lowered productivity and vulnerability to pests. Changing climate can also allow the emergence of invasive plants.

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