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Science 19 July 1974:
Vol. 185. no. 4147, pp. 260 - 263
DOI: 10.1126/science.185.4147.260
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Articles

Silurian Trilete Spores and Spore Tetrads from Gotland: Their Implications for Land Plant Evolution

Jane Gray 1, Sven Laufeld 2, and A. J. Boucot 3

1 Paleoecology Laboratory, Museum of Natural History, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403
2 Department of Historical Geology and Palaeontology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
3 Department of Geology, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331

Land-plant type spores occur in argillaceous limestones and platform graptolitic mudstones of Wenlock-Ludlow age in Sweden. Analysis of the stratal sequence demonstrates that occurrence of abundant spores is a function of depositional ecology, particularly water depth and shoreline proximity. This ecological analysis and the seeming absence of any correlation between the first appearances of abundant spores and megafossils of land-plant type raise the possibility that land plants evolved far earlier than the megafossil record suggests.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF ENIGMATIC PHYTOCLASTS (BANDED TUBES) FROM THE SILURIAN-LOWER DEVONIAN: EVIDENCE FOR AFFINITIES AND ROLE IN EARLY TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS.
W. A. TAYLOR and C. H. WELLMAN (2009)
Palaios 24, 167-180
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Carbonate platform evolution and conodont stratigraphy during the middle Silurian Mulde Event, Gotland, Sweden.
M. Calner, M. CALNER, and L. JEPPSSON (2003)
Geological Magazine 140, 173-203
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Ludlow (late Silurian) oceanic episodes and events.
L. Jeppsson, L. JEPPSSON, and R. J. ALDRIDGE (2000)
Journal of the Geological Society 157, 1137-1148
   Abstract »    Full Text »    PDF »
Late Llandovery bentonites from Gotland, Sweden, as chemostratigraphic markers.
R. A. BATCHELOR and L. JEPPSSON (1994)
Journal of the Geological Society 151, 741-746
   Abstract »    PDF »
An oceanic model for lithological and faunal changes tested on the Silurian record.
L. JEPPSSON (1990)
Journal of the Geological Society 147, 663-674
   Abstract »    PDF »
The distribution of trilete spores in Irish Silurian rocks.
D. G. Smith (1979)
Geological Society, London, Special Publications 8, 423-431
   Abstract »    PDF »


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