| Abstract Detail
Paleobotanical Section Davis, Tina [1], Devore, Melanie [2], Pigg, Kathleen [3]. Deciphering the Prunus fossil leaf record:. Prunus leaves quite similar to the living P. serotina Ehrh. ("Black Cherry") and P. virginiana L. ("Chokecherry") are described from the latest early Eocene Republic flora of northeastern Washington State, a site from which many fossil Rosaceae are known. In addition to at least a dozen rosaceous leaf types from this site, reproductive remains include the recently published oldest fossil flowers of Prunus, P. cathybrownae, and Oemleria, O. janhardfordae. Untangling the diversity of Prunus-like leaves is a challenge. Here both gland type and basal venation leading to the glands are taxonomically diagnostic. However, damage patterns are common on these leaves and must be carefully distinguished from glandular structures. Some damage patterns are clearly attributed to insects but others are quite similar to patterns produced by modern pathogens of extant Prunus. Additional features such as tooth types and higher order venation are also important and provide taxonomically useful characters for delimiting these fossil leaf types. The Republic leaves serve as valuable means of understanding both the evolutionary history of the genus and its ecological interactions during its early diversification. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Georgia College & State University, Biological and Enviornmental Sciences, Campus Box 81, Milledgeville, GA, 31061, usa
2 - Dept Of Biology & Env. Science, GC & SU Campus Box 81, MILLEDGEVILLE, GA, 31061-0001, USA, 912-445-2438
3 - Arizona State University, SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES FACULTY & ADMIN, BOX 874501, Tempe, AZ, 85287-4501, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: Union A/Hyatt
Date: Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 49001
Abstract ID:366 |
