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What If Trees Didn’t Exist?

  • Writer: tumblepodcast
    tumblepodcast
  • Mar 28
  • 2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago



Have you ever wondered what life on Earth would be like without trees? In this episode of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, we’re exploring that big question with the help of two curious listeners, Rowan and Neesha!


Join Lindsay and Marshall as they talk to plant ecophysiologist Angelica Patterson to uncover the essential role trees play in our world. From providing oxygen to supporting animals and keeping water clean, trees are a crucial part of life as we know it. But could they disappear? And what happens when trees move? Plus, Angelica shares her unique (and surprising!) method for studying trees—spoiler alert: it involves a shotgun!


Get ready for a wild journey into forests, photosynthesis, and the impact of climate change on trees. Don’t miss this leafy adventure!

Tumble Episode Logo, an outline of a tree with a question mark in the middle, in front of a green forest background with the Tumble Media logo in the bottom right corner, and the title "A World Without Trees".

Meet Our Featured Expert

Angelica Patterson, Curator of Education and Outreach, Miller Worley Center for the Environment
Angelica Patterson, Curator of Education and Outreach, Miller Worley Center for the Environment

Angelica Patterson is the Curator of Education and Outreach at the Miller Worley Center for the Environment. Her research focuses on understanding how natural communities shift and respond to climate change. Patterson received her bachelor’s in natural resources from Cornell University and her master’s, master of philosophy and doctorate degrees from Columbia University in plant ecophysiology. Her interests in understanding the mechanisms behind climate-induced tree migration and plant community shifts inspired her to examine tree physiological responses to temperature as part of her research. More specifically, her research compares the photosynthetic and respiratory responses of over 20 tree species with differing historic range distributions in order to evaluate which species may be better able to tolerate climate changes that are predicted to occur within the next 50–100 years.


Patterson is a strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the environmental sciences and has served on various committees and working groups. Before coming to Mount Holyoke, she served as the master science educator at Black Rock Forest in New York.


Check out some photos and videos from Angelica's leaf hunting!


Dr. Angelica Patterson in the Experimental Forest with her leaf collecting shotgun.
Dr. Angelica Patterson in the Experimental Forest with her leaf collecting shotgun.

Patterson placing recently collected leaves in water so the continue photosynthesizing.
Patterson placing recently collected leaves in water so the continue photosynthesizing.
Angelica demonstrating safe gun handling technique while collecting leaf samples. Content warning: this video includes the sound of a gunshot.

How Do Trees Migrate?


Learn more about Angelica's research with Columbia University's video.



Explaining ‘assisted migration’ for trees.


As native trees in the Pacific Northwest die off due to climate changes, researchers and arborists are turning to a strategy called “assisted migration.” Yet not everyone agrees on what type of assisted migration the region needs — or that it’s always a good thing.


Check out this AP Video by Manuel Valdes.





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