Almost immortal clones
The Canadian aspen is immortal only theoreticallyDmitry Tselikov, Compulenta
Due to the fact that the aspen-like poplar (Populus tremuloides), aka the Canadian aspen, has the ability to copy itself, a hypothesis has arisen about the theoretical immortality of each individual tree. Alas: even if it is possible, no one will protect them from the destructive effects of time.
The aspen-shaped poplar has been living for about two hundred years, but clones grow from its roots, which sometimes eventually occupy several hectares (scientists still consider them to be the same plant).
One such "tree" named Pando in Utah (photo Academic.ru ) he has been living for 80 thousand years. Some are sure that it is an order of magnitude older. It is impossible to establish the exact age: you can't count the annual rings, and at the time when it was necessary to start research, humanity was just preparing to escape from Africa.
But there is still a way, because as clones appear, genetic mutations slowly accumulate in them, which limit pollen production. Researchers from San Diego State University (USA), led by Dilara Eli, calculated the rate at which this happens in aspen clones growing in British Columbia. The oldest clone, estimated to be 10,000 years old, produced only a quarter of the amount of pollen that the youngest copies were capable of.
Conclusion: after 20 thousand years, clones will not be able to reproduce at all. They will still be able to copy themselves, but they will not be able to produce seeds. The wind will no longer pick up pollen to fertilize a tree from another genus and extend the genetic line at least in a mixed form. Clones will remain immortal, but they will be stuck in one place, becoming vulnerable to diseases, droughts, fires, climate change and other unavoidables.
The results of the study are published in the journal PLoS Biology (Robin Meadows, We All Gotta Go Sometime).
Prepared by Wired (Brandon Keim, ‘Immortal’ Trees Can’t Escape Aging).
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru23.08.2010