Dipteryx Trees Thrive by Surviving and Benefiting from Lightning Strikes
New research reveals that Dipteryx oleifera trees not only withstand lightning but gain ecological advantages, reshaping our understanding of forest dynamics.
- Dipteryx oleifera trees, native to Central and South America, survive lightning strikes with minimal damage, unlike most other species.
- Lightning strikes kill neighboring trees and reduce parasitic vine infestations, giving Dipteryx trees better access to light and nutrients.
- These trees are up to 68% more likely to attract lightning due to their height and wide crowns, which may be an evolutionary adaptation.
- Lightning tolerance significantly boosts the species' reproductive success, increasing offspring production by 14 times compared to other species.
- Researchers are now investigating the traits enabling this resilience and exploring whether other tree species share similar adaptations.
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