Towards new paradigms in Permo-Triassic Karoo palaeobotany (and associated faunas) through the past 50 years
Date
1997
Authors
Anderson, Heidi Marguerite
Anderson, John Malcom
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research
Abstract
Advances through the past 50 years (1945 to 1995) have shown, indisputably, that the Permo-Triassic
Karoo flora (with associated insect faunas) is as important globally as is the famous tetrapod
fauna. We justify this in regard to the three most productive horizons: the Middle Ecca (Early to
Middle Permian), Estcourt Formation (Late Permian) and the Molteno Formation (Late Triassic).
The Middle Ecca gained international prominence through the collections ofLe Roux from 1946
to 1955 and the publications of Plum stead from 1952 to 1962, which demonstrated for the first time
a wide suite of fructifications found attached to Glossopteris leaves. Similar finds have
subsequently been made throughout the rest of the Gondwana Permian. The Glossopteridales
remain unique among fossil gymnosperm orders in yielding such a diverse range of articulated
(organically attached) foliage/fruit material.
The Estcourt Formation offers an unparalleled opportunity to study ecosystems of the Late
Permian prior to the extinction event terminating the period. The formation is singular in that it yields
an excellent, well known flora and insect fauna (sampled primarily by van Dijk from 1957 to 1984
and Benecke, Anderson and Anderson from 1969 to 1971) in conjunction with a diverse tetrapod
fauna.
The Molteno Formation provides a window onto Late Triassic plant and insect communities, at
around the time of origin of the mammals, dinosaurs and birds, perhaps unrivalled elsewhere in the
world. The extensive/intensive collections of the Molteno (made by Anderson and Anderson over
nearly 30 years from 1967 to the present) allow the application of a statistical projection hinting at
the extraordinary possibility of biodiversities akin to those of today. The gymnosperms ofthe Late
Triassic may well have been as rich in species and orders as are the extant angiosperms (flowering
plants).
Description
Main article
Keywords
Karoo, Permo-Triassic, megaflora, insects, tetrapods, biodiversity.
Citation
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