When was the Glossopteris extinct?

The Glossopteridales arose in the Southern Hemisphere around the beginning of the Permian Period (298.9 million years ago), but became extinct during the end-Permian (Changhsingian) mass extinction.

How long did the Glossopteris live?

Glossopteris, genus of fossilized woody plants known from rocks that have been dated to the Permian and Triassic periods (roughly million years ago), deposited on the southern supercontinent of Gondwana.

Where are Glossopteris located today?

The Glossopteris fossil is found in Australia, Antarctica, India, South Africa, and South America—all the southern continents. Now, the Glossopteris seed is known to be large and bulky and therefore could not have drifted or flown across the oceans to a separate continent.

When was the Glossopteris fossil found?

Identifying the Glossopteris flora

The samples were taken back to Britain, and in 1914 at Cambridge University, botanist Albert Seward identified among them, the ancient Glossopteris flora. It was the first time evidence of this extinct plant species had been found in Antarctica.

Who discovered Glossopteris?

During the first half of the 20th century, geologist Eduard Suess discovered that fossils of the extinct seed fern Glossopteris could be found on three different continents.

Why did Glossopteris become extinct?

Glossopteris was part of a primitive gymnosperm order called Glossopteridales and flourished during the Permian and Triassic periods, roughly 200-300 million years ago. This species eventually perished due to extensive volcanic activity in Siberia, causing massive global extinction.

Why was the Glossopteris Fern a big deal?

Essentially, Glossopteris was restricted to the middle- and high-latitude parts of Gondwana during the Permian and was an important contributor to the vast Permian coal deposits of the Southern Hemisphere continents.

Do the Glossopteris fossils tell us?

Answer: Yes. Because they indicate biological identity of these plants that were critical for recognizing former connections between the various fragments of Gondwana: South America, Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica.

How old are Glossopteris?

At about 270 million years old, the stumps come from an extinct species of tree known as Glossopteris. The fossils promise to offer paleontologists insights into the prehistoric climate and ecology of Antarctica, and the dramatic ecological changes that were about to sweep across the continent.

What climate did Glossopteris live in?

Glossopteris flora The fossil flora that succeeds the Permian glacial deposits of South Africa, Australia, South America, and Antarctica. It grew in a cold, wet climate, while the flora of North America and Europe existed under warm conditions.

Is Glossopteris a fern?

Glossopteris was not a true fern – it was a seed fern (a group of primitive gymnosperms) (Plantae, Pteridospermophyta, Glossopteridopsida, Glossopteridales, Glossopteridaceae). Glossopteris is reconstructed as a large deciduous tree.