There are four main types of trees: coniferous, deciduous, broad-leafed and needle-leaf. The oldest tree fossils date back to around 390 million years ago with the evolution of trees coinciding with the rise in atmospheric oxygen levels during the Carboniferous period. This occurred because trees are thought to have contributed significantly to an increase in atmospheric oxygen through their ability to capture carbon dioxide via photosynthesis which could then be used by other organisms to oxidize organic compounds.

Conifers (Pine, Douglas Fir etc.) can live for hundreds or even thousands of years with some species found in North America capable of surviving upwards of two thousand years. The bristlecone pine is considered one of the longest living species on earth and has been observed being around three and a half millennia old although there are disputes over its age and it's true lifespan may never be known.
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