Unearthing Ice Age Bamboo: A Thorny Discovery in Manipur

Fossil evidence discovered in Manipur's Imphal valley reveals that thorniness in bamboo existed during the Ice Age, highlighting Northeast India as a critical biodiversity refuge. The findings enhance understanding of bamboo evolution and climate history while emphasizing the ecological significance of the Indo-Burma region.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unearthed fossil evidence in Manipur's Imphal West district suggesting that thorniness in bamboo was already present during the Ice Age. This study sheds light on the ecological role bamboo played in Asia's ancient landscapes.

The research, conducted by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, identified the thorn scars on a bamboo stem from the Chirang River as belonging to the genus Chimonobambusa. The findings, published in a prominent palaeobotany journal, underscore Northeast India's role as a biodiversity hotspot during global climatic changes.

The presence of thorny bamboo fossils offers new insights into the evolution of bamboo and its resilience in colder climates, providing a deeper understanding of regional climate history and the importance of the Indo-Burma region in preserving biodiversity during the Ice Age.

(With inputs from agencies.)