Evolution meets Christmas. Frankincense is a fragrant tree resin with a long history in Christian ceremonies, and was one of the gifts said to have been presented by the three wise men. Eric Roston writes,
This month's Journal of Applied Ecology reports that over-production of frankincense is having a deleterious affect on the viability of resin-producing trees in Eritrea.
Tapping frankincense causes the Boswellia trees to use up their carbohydrates replenishing their resin, instead of growing the flowers, fruits and seeds of their reproductive systems, according to Science Daily. The Christmas spirit herein forces natural selection, and the Boswellia forests may not be fit enough for the task.
Link to Eric's blog entry, and here's the Wikipedia entry on Boswellia trees and frankincense. Image above: the evolving tree in question.
