New research reveals that 85 tree species domesticated by pre-Colombian peoples remain common in forests close to ancient settlements. University of Leeds researchers formed part of an international team of ecologists and social scientists which has found that tree species domesticated and distributed throughout the Amazon basin by indigenous peoples prior to 1492 contributed to modern-day forests. Read more
Amazon forest 'shaped by pre-Columbian indigenous peoples'
Indigenous peoples who inhabited the Amazon before the arrival of European colonisers planted a vast number of trees, a new study argues. They played an important role in the current composition of the forest, says the study. Researchers found that species used for food or building materials were far more common near ancient settlements. Read more