What's The Oldest Tree in the World

The video explores the concept of the oldest trees in nature, focusing on two main contenders: the Great Northern bristlecone pine in California and the clonal colony of quaking Aspen known as Pando in Utah. The bristlecone pine is noted for its age of 5063 years, thriving in harsh conditions that limit competition and growth. Pando, on the other hand, is a clonal colony with a root system estimated to be at least 80,000 years old, making it potentially the oldest living organism. The video discusses how these trees have adapted to their environments and the methods used to determine their ages.

What is the age of the oldest known individual tree, a Great Northern bristlecone pine?

• 2000 years

• 1000 years

• 5063 years

• 3000 years

How do the harsh conditions of the White Mountains benefit the bristlecone pines?

• They provide abundant nutrients.

• They increase rainfall.

• They offer protection from animals.

• They reduce competition from other trees.

What is a significant adaptation of bristlecone pines that helps them conserve resources?

• Fast growth rate

• Deep roots

• High proportion of dead wood

• Thick bark

What is unique about the Pando colony in terms of its genetic makeup?

• Each tree is genetically different.

• It changes its genetic makeup every year.

• All trees are genetically identical.

• It has no genetic material.

How does Pando primarily reproduce?

• By cloning through its root system

• By spore dispersal

• By producing seeds

• By grafting