Discovery of Sanfordi Acaulis Densifolia Tree Fossil in Sanford Quarry, New Brunswick, Canada: Insights into Prehistoric Forests and Plant Evolution

The discovery of the Sanfordi Acaulis densifolia tree fossil in Sanford Quarry, New Brunswick, Canada received recognition from Paul Kenrick, a researcher at the Natural History Museum London, who was not involved in the research.

Kenrick stated that this finding has great significance because it provides deep insight into the structure of forests in the past, especially around 350 million years ago, during the Devonian period.

With large trees forming a canopy, these findings also reveal the existence of a sub-canopy level consisting of small trees. The Devonian period was an important milestone in plant evolution, where plants evolved into tree-like growth for the first time, forming prehistoric forests.

Kenrick said that these changes not only affect forest structure, but also have a major impact on animal life as well as physical aspects of the planet, such as atmospheric chemistry, global temperature and the water cycle.

“This study focuses on new sites from the beginning of the Carboniferous Period, around 359 to 347 million years ago,” he said. “This is interesting because the fossil remains of the tree found here are relatively intact, indicating an overall growth habit, which is very rare. Fossils like this are difficult to find in the field, so I was impressed by this discovery and the authors’ awareness of the importance of their find.”

2024-02-09 16:45:55
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