1. Age: Methuselah is estimated to be around 4,845 years old, making it the oldest known living tree on Earth. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it from vandalism. 2. Species: Methuselah belongs to the species Pinus longaeva, commonly known as the Great Basin bristlecone pine. These trees are known for their exceptional longevity and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. 3. Growth Rate: Bristlecone pines grow very slowly, with Methuselah adding only about one inch of girth every century. This slow growth is attributed to the challenging high-altitude environment where it grows. 4. Discovery: Methuselah was discovered in 1957 by a dendrochronologist named Edmund Schulman, who was studying the age of ancient trees in the area using tree-ring dating techniques. 5. Tree Rings: Tree-ring dating, or dendrochronology, involves analyzing the patterns of growth rings in the trunk of a tree to determine its age. Methuselah's age was determined by counting the rings in a small core sample taken from its trunk. 6. Environmental Factors: The harsh environment of the White Mountains, characterized by strong winds, cold temperatures, and a short growing season, has contributed to the tree's longevity. The dry climate also helps preserve the wood by preventing decay.

7. Adaptations: Bristlecone pines have several adaptations that allow them to survive for thousands of years. They have dense wood with high resin content, which makes them highly resistant to pests and diseases. They also have a shallow root system that spreads out widely to capture limited moisture. 8. Significance: Methuselah and other ancient bristlecone pines provide valuable insights into past climate conditions and environmental changes. By studying the tree rings, scientists can reconstruct climate patterns and understand how ecosystems have evolved over millennia. 9. Protection: The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it from potential harm. However, there are several protected areas in the White Mountains, such as the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where visitors can see other ancient bristlecone pines and learn about their importance. 10. Other Long-Lived Trees: While Methuselah is the oldest known individual tree, there are other species that can live for thousands of years. These include the giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and the yews (Taxus baccata). However, bristlecone pines have been found to have the longest lifespans among all tree species.