Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the British record – the earliest fossil evidence of ancient forests. The study, focused on the Middle Devonian (Eifelian) Hangman Sandstone Formation in Somerset and Devon, has shed new light on the early evolution of Earth’s land-based biosphere.
The findings reveal an ancient forest landscape, with the identification of the oldest fossil trees ever found in Britain – the cladoxylopsid tree Calamophyton. These trees, which grew up to 2-4 meters tall with narrow trunks and expanded rounded bases, played a key role in shaping the earliest ‘modern’ riverbanks.
The study also found evidence of leaves evolving about 20 million years prior to this forest, suggesting that these trees colonized a distributive fluvial system that reshaped the landscape between land and water. Evidence of plant-sediment interactions, in the form of vegetation-induced sedimentary structures and root features, further supports this idea.
According to the researchers, these findings provide compelling evidence that the Eifelian Stage marks the onset of significant tree-driven changes to physical environments. Early land-based ecosystems were formed as a result of the presence of these ancient forests, marking a significant milestone in Earth’s history.
This discovery not only adds to our understanding of ancient ecosystems but also highlights the importance of preserving and studying fossil records for further insights into the evolution of life on Earth. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating discovery on Road Rug Cars.
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