An international research team, including Czech scientists, has offered new insights into the evolutionary origins of trees. The study focuses on identifying key factors that enabled trees to become the largest and longest-living organisms on Earth. Researchers specifically investigated how trees developed the ability to withstand prolonged periods of drought. Their findings suggest that drought resistance played a crucial role in the evolution of trees, allowing them to thrive and dominate terrestrial ecosystems. This research addresses a fundamental question in plant evolution: what allowed trees to emerge in the first place? The study contributes to a deeper understanding of plant adaptation and resilience in changing environments.