Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the role of religious temples in China as long-term refuges for ancient trees in human-dominated landscapes, emphasizing their importance in biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage [4][11][15]. Group 1: Research Background - The study was conducted by researchers from Yunnan University, Peking University, Chongqing University, and the Australian National University, focusing on the relationship between ancient trees and human cultural practices [5][9]. - The research was published in the journal Current Biology, indicating its significance in the field of ecology and conservation [4]. Group 2: Findings on Ancient Trees - A database was created encompassing 51,25 Buddhist temples and 1,420 Taoist temples, documenting 46,966 ancient trees [10]. - The study found that ancient trees within temples in eastern China have a significantly higher density compared to those outside, with some trees being thousands of times more abundant [11]. - Temples serve as crucial refuges for 61 endangered tree species, with 8 species found exclusively within temple grounds, highlighting their role in preserving biodiversity [11]. Group 3: Cultural Influence on Tree Distribution - The distribution of ancient trees associated with Buddhist culture is notably greater than that of non-Buddhist species, indicating a strong cultural influence on the propagation of certain tree species [12]. - Important Buddhist tree species have been introduced and cultivated in many temples far from their natural habitats, showcasing the impact of cultural practices on biodiversity [12]. Group 4: Visual Documentation - The article includes visual documentation of ancient trees in various temples, illustrating the richness and diversity of tree species preserved in these cultural sites [14][17].