So how did this lonely Sitka spruce come to be where it is?
Campbell Island is one of New Zealands most southern island.
The weather, while not freezing, is far from pleasant.
Temperatures rarely climb above 10 degree centigrade.
Everyday is cloudy and most days are rainy.
The only plants that survive these conditions are a kind of perennial herbs called megaherbs.
Photo credit:chsgardens.co.nz
Sitka spruce doesnt grow anywhere around this region.
In fact, there are no Sitka spruce anywhere in the southern hemisphere.
Although the tree survivedthanks to its natural preference to cold and wet climateit hasnt exactly flourished.
Back in its native land, it would have stood at least 60 meters tall.
Every epoch should have a distinctive marker.
Based on these findings, Turner suggests that the start date of Anthropocene be fixed at 1965.
One key aspect for any golden spike chosen is that it should be long-lasting.
Photo credit:David/Flickr
Photo credit:Alex James/Flickr
Sources:BBC/Live Science/Radio NZ
