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The mysterious lives of giant trees

812,491 views | Richard Preston • TED2008

Science writer Richard Preston talks about some of the most enormous living beings on the planet, the giant trees of the US Pacific Northwest. Growing from a tiny seed, they support vast ecosystems -- and are still, largely, a mystery.

Science writer Richard Preston talks about some of the most enormous living beings on the planet, the giant trees of the US Pacific Northwest. Growing from a tiny seed, they support vast ecosystems -- and are still, largely, a mystery.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Richard Preston

Richard Preston

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Richard Preston wrote The Hot Zone, a classic look at the Ebola virus and the scientists who fight it. His wide-ranging curiosity about science and people has led him to cover a dizzying list of topics, with a lapidary attention to detail and an ear for the human voice.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.