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In eastern California, stands a remarkable Great Basin bristlecone pine named Methuselah, believed to be the oldest living thing on Earth at 4,853 years old, predating the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. This ancient tree grows in the harsh conditions of California, Nevada, and Utah, drawing sustenance from the rocky soils at high elevations and shaped by strong winds to withstand storms.

Recently, a potential rival to Methuselah’s title emerged in Chile with the Alerce Milenario, a Patagonian cypress that could be even older. While the exact age of the Alerce Milenario is debated, these ancient trees serve as invaluable climate recorders, with each tree ring holding data on past climate conditions. They also play a critical role in combating climate change by storing carbon in their roots and soil.

Whether Methuselah or the Alerce Milenario holds the record, the importance of preserving and protecting all trees, from ancient to young, is clear. Nature is resilient and adaptable, and safeguarding our forests is crucial in maintaining a healthy planet for future generations.

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