Tropical forest diversity increased during ancient global warming event

Thursday, November 11, 2010 - 16:20 in Earth & Climate

Nearly 60 million years ago, rainforests prospered at temperatures that were 3-5 degrees higher and at atmospheric carbon dioxide levels 2.5 times today's levels, researchers report. Contrary to speculation that tropical forests could be devastated under these conditions, forest diversity increased rapidly during this warming event. New plant species evolved much faster than old species became extinct. Pollen from the passionflower plant family and the chocolate family, among others, were found for the first time.

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