Ecology: No big trees

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According to a perspective article in journal Science, we're losing a lot of the planet's oldest trees.

Younger trees are unable to fill the roles of the larger trees, failing to contribute as much in terms of storing carbon and supporting nutrient-rich soils. Big trees also provide shelter, are an important component of the hydrological cycle and are a food source for animals and we need to put more effort into protecting them, say authors.