Functional traits of fossil plants

Area of Science:

• Paleobotany and Trait-Based Ecology
• Integration of fossil data with ecological principles

Background:

• Fossils offer limited but crucial insights into past plant life and paleo-ecosystems.
• Plant traits are key to understanding plant function and environmental interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate extant plant traits for their applicability to fossilized plant remains.
• To identify traits that can reveal plant functioning and paleo-ecosystem processes.

Main Methods:

• Review of paleobotany literature through the lens of trait-based ecology.
• Assessment of over 30 extant plant traits for their potential in paleobotanical studies.
• Semi-quantitative ranking of 26 paleo-functional traits based on taphonomic and methodological criteria.

Main Results:

• Identified 26 promising paleo-functional traits for fossil plant analysis.
• Established criteria for ranking traits based on taphonomic and methodological considerations.
• Demonstrated the potential for inferring paleo-ecosystem processes, nutrient cycling, and Earth system history.

Conclusions:

• Trait-based approaches offer valuable insights into fossil plants and paleo-ecosystems.
• Quantifiable paleo-functional traits can significantly advance our understanding of Earth system history.
• Further application of these traits can illuminate past pollination, herbivory, and biogeography.