Never-Ending Rivalry

The storm hit the forest, making huge holes in its green tissue. For the fallen, centuries-old giants, this was certainly a tragedy, but for the forest - just an episode. Moreover, it was necessary for the forest to continue to live. Right after the storm ended, a fierce, although imperceptible to the human eye, race began. It can be followed thanks to the acceleration of time-lapse photos. Thousands of seeds stuck in the litter competed for the highest stakes. Tiny shoots shot out of them. But the chances of survival of each of the thousands of seedlings are minimal. Some will fall victim to herbivores, others will quickly wither. The strongest plants continue the race. The winners will be those that outgrow their neighbors and put down the deepest roots, blocking the precious light from their competitors and taking away moisture. Of the several dozen trees that have survived the stage of compaction, only a few will reach a ripe old age.