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Reconstructing the Pennsylvanian-Age Filicalean Fern Botryopteris tridentata (Felix) Scott.
International Journal of Plant Sciences
|May 20, 2000
Summary
This study details Botryopteris tridentata, a Middle Pennsylvanian fern from Kansas, revealing its complete frond architecture, fertile structures, and unique propagation methods. Findings suggest a reevaluation of fern family relationships.
Area of Science:
- Paleobotany
- Plant Anatomy
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Botryopteris tridentata is a filicalean fern from the Middle Pennsylvanian period.
- Fossilized fragments were discovered in coal balls from the Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Company mine in Kansas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the complete vegetative and fertile frond architecture of Botryopteris tridentata.
- To investigate fronds specialized for vegetative propagation.
- To analyze the systematic relationships of Botryopteridaceae and Psalixochlaenaceae.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical study of fossilized fern fragments from coal balls.
- Reconstruction of frond architecture and reproductive structures.
- Comparative analysis of morphological characters.
Main Results:
- Complete vegetative frond architecture and first fertile specimens of Botryopteris tridentata were identified.
- Rhizomes are erect with helical phyllotaxis and ectophloic solenosteles.
- Fronds are tripinnately compound with specialized fertile pinnules bearing annulate sporangia and vegetative propagation fronds.
Conclusions:
- Botryopteris tridentata possessed unique frond specialization for both reproduction and vegetative propagation.
- Morphological similarities and differences suggest a need to reevaluate systematic relationships within Botryopteridaceae and Psalixochlaenaceae.