Ever wonder why trees have so many different kinds of bark? Sure, it depends on external factors such as weather and the natural growth

of that tree species, but MSU researchers know these fissures are important ecosystems for small critters. New research by David MacFarlane (Forestry) is helping to quantify these fissures and thus measure the health of a forest.

This video is part of the Environmental Science and Policy Program’s video series, “Exploring MSU’s Environment: Global issues in a local setting.”