Tumble Science Podcast for Kids · Tumble Media

What If Trees Didn't Exist?

March 28, 2025·22 min·2 clips

Angelica Patterson shoots trees with a shotgun to collect leaves and study how forests respond to climate change.

This episode of Tumble explores the question of what would happen if trees didn't exist, prompted by two young listeners named Rowan and Nisha. Hosts Lindsay and Marshall interview plant ecophysiologist Dr. Angelica Patterson, who studies how trees function in their environment. Rowan, age seven, hypothesized there would be less air to breathe without trees, while Nisha thought animals would disappear and water would be less clean. Angelica confirms trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis and that their roots prevent soil erosion, protecting aquatic life like fish. She lists products we would miss, including paper, wood, fruit, and maple syrup. Angelica researches how forests are changing due to climate change, specifically studying tree migration by comparing species in an experimental forest in New York. She explains trees "migrate" as species compositions shift over time, with some trees leaving an area and new ones arriving based on climatic suitability. To study this, Angelica needed to collect leaves from the top of tall tree canopies, where photosynthesis rates are highest. After unsuccessful attempts with a ladder and a slingshot, she used a shotgun to shoot down high branches, a standard method in her field. She then measured the leaves' photosynthetic rates with a portable machine to compare how well "northern" versus "southern" tree species were growing. Angelica found differences in photosynthesis between tree groups, indicating a pattern linked to migration, though the forest currently remains stable. She notes sudden, large disturbances like wildfires or deforestation cause more drastic forest changes than gradual climate shifts. The episode ends with Angelica suggesting a backyard observation activity to notice environmental changes. The tone is educational and playful, with hosts using humor and clear analogies to explain complex scientific concepts. It is conversational and narrative, weaving listener questions with a scientist's fieldwork story. Young science enthusiasts and families interested in ecology and climate change would enjoy this episode. Listeners seeking a highly technical or debate-focused discussion might find it too introductory.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Tumble Science Podcast for Kids