The period known as Romer’s gap, which occurred between 360 million and 345 million years ago, remains a mystery in the evolution of life on Earth. A new study describes a fossilized tree that dates back to this period, providing insights into the nature of life during this time. Named Sanfordiacaulis densifolia, the tree had a 6-inch diameter trunk made of vascular plant material, like ferns, with a striking crown of over 200 compound leaves. The study, published in the journal Current Biology, suggests that the tree was likely to have intertwined its branches with neighboring trees to remain upright, resembling an “upside-down toilet brush.” This unique plant offers a new understanding of the plant life that existed during the Late Paleozoic Era. The tree was discovered in Canada’s Stonehammer UNESCO Global Geopark near Valley Waters, New Brunswick, and is part of the 350 million-year-old Albert Formation. The discovery of this well-preserved and unique fossil is considered rare, and it adds to our understanding of the early plant life. This tree is believed to have existed at a time when the forest-canopy structure was still evolving and when plant diversification was taking place.
The tree was found in sediments similar to modern-day Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, and it displayed an unusual growth pattern that was successful for a period of time. It is an important finding that sheds light on the evolution of plant biology during this period.
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