Glossopteris Leaf Fossils
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The Glossopteris Leaf Fossils we have for sale are Glossopteris Browniana from the Permian Period and found in New South Wales, Australia. Glossopteris is an extinct type of seed plant that flourished throughout the Permian Period.
What Are Glossopteris Fossils?
Glossopteris is an extinct type of seed plant that flourished throughout the Permian Period. It was one of many species of related plants called Glossopteridales. Not much is known about these plants as a whole because of a lack of complete fossils, however the leaves are common and their fossils are widespread on the southern continents. There were many species. The most common fossils are toung shaped with an easily recognized midrib and reticulate venation (web-like).
Where Are Glossopteris Fossils Found?
Glossopteris fossils are found on all of the southern continents. They have been found in Australia, South America, Africa, India, and Antarctica. Because the fossil leaves are found in thick mats scientists think that glossopteris were deciduous plants.
Why are Glossopteris Fossils Important?
Glossopteris is an important fossil because it provided evidence to help prove plate techtonics and continental drift. During the Permian Period and through much of the Triassic Period all of what are now the southern continents and India were conected in one huge landmass called Gondwana. Glossopteridales were the dominant plants forming massive forests covering Gondwana. As Gondwana broke up so did the forests.
Glossopteris became extinct at the end of the Triassic Period.
