# Wyoming fossils reveal ancient forests collapsed after warming

2026-08-14T11:42:49+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A new study published in Science on August 13, 2026, using Wyoming fossils, reconstructs how forests responded during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) 56 million years ago. Forest canopy cover declined by about 60% as heat and reduced moisture pushed vegetation beyond its limits. The researchers analysed microscopic leaf cuticles to estimate canopy density. The canopy remained substantially open for more than 100,000 years, showing that extreme global warming can alter ecosystems for exceptionally long periods before recovery.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/wyoming-fossils-reveal-ancient-forests-collapsed-during-extreme-global-warming-and-took-over-100000-years-to-recover-a-stark-warning-for-todays-climate/articleshow/133233279.cms>

Tags: PETM, science, Wyoming
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