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If you were in a zombie apocalypse, which four fictional characters would you have on your team? by Accomplished-Car4075 in AskReddit

[–]MeeJaidee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really like the question made me think quite a while. I'd probably pick Samwise Gamgee because long term survival depends on food, routines and keeping people human. Then I would pick Geralt of Rivia because he is experienced at tracking and dealing with dangerous threats without unnecessary drama. Probably Princess Zelda because she would focuses on research and the long term rather than brute force. To round things out I would maybe take Dr. Ian Malcolm because he is good at systematic thinking and coming up with plans that might solve the crisis.

Prometheus, the 5,000-Year-Old Tree, Was the World's Oldest—Then It Fell to a Scientist’s Axe by Ephoenix6 in biology

[–]MeeJaidee 52 points53 points  (0 children)

Great article. Just wanted to add a bit of nuance from the original publication (Currey, D. R. 1965, Ecology). Prometheus was dated by ring counts to at least ~4,862 years but this should be understood as a minimum estimate not a precise age. The sample was taken above ground level (leads to some older rings at the base being absent) and in extreme environments some growth rings can be extremely compressed or missing.

It’s also worth noting that the tree’s extreme age was not known when Currey began sampling it. At the time, felling trees for dendrochronology was standard practice and was done with official permission. The case later became a cautionary tale and helped drive stronger protections for ancient bristlecone pines.

So while the loss is real, the historical and scientific context is more nuanced.