Research
Scientists discover Europe's ancient forests were nothing like we imagined
The Brief
- Scientists report evidence that Europe was dominated for more than 20 million years by open woodlands, colorful meadows, and large grazing animals.
- This challenges the long-held view that dense forests were Europe's natural state.
- The findings are presented as a challenge to modern reforestation approaches.
Why it matters
Reforestation goals often assume dense forest is the natural baseline. If Europe's ancient landscapes were open woodland shaped by grazing animals, that assumption may need revisiting in conservation planning.
Who’s affected
- Researchers in paleoecology and forest history
- Conservation and reforestation planners
Scientists have uncovered evidence that Europe was dominated for more than 20 million years by open woodlands, colorful meadows, and large grazing animals, not the dense forests long considered its natural state. The surprising discovery challenges modern reforestation…
Timeline
Findings reported by ScienceDaily
Earth & Climate News -- ScienceDaily
Scientists discover Europe's ancient forests were nothing like we imagined