Prehistoric Grasses & Trees: Charting Prehistoric Vegetation
Grasses and Trees: Key Components of Prehistoric Vegetation
The vegetation of any given region provides important clues to its climate and environment, past and present. To uncover the vegetation of the prehistoric world, scientists study both plants that have been preserved in fossil form and modern plant populations that have retained many of the same characteristics. In particular, prehistoric grasses and trees form the basis of our understanding of this past world.
Preserving the Past: Prehistoric Grasses
Grasses were one of the earliest plant groups to develop in the prehistoric world, and they remain one of the most diverse today. As a result, when examining the fossil record, researchers can often gain a great deal of insight, particularly regarding the role that grasses played in the ecological conditions of the prehistoric climates. Of particular interest are the grasses that grew in lakes and oceans during this time, as these were often the most abundant and diverse.
For example, ancient species of orchids and palms, which are both found in tropical climates today, have been identified as part of the grasslands that existed in prehistoric times. The types of herbs, sedges, and grasses found in these grasslands can tell us a great deal about the climate in which they grew, as it was often significantly different than that of modern climates.
Charting Prehistoric Woody Ecosystems
Trees were also present in the prehistoric world and have been preserved in fossil form. By studying these fossils, researchers can gain a better understanding of the environment in which the trees grew, including the type of soil, local climate, and moisture levels. Fossilized woody plants such as conifers, broadleaves, and other trees often provide critical evidence that allow scientists to recreate the prehistoric environments in which they grew.
The types of trees found in a fossil deposit can also tell us about the animal communities that existed at the time. For instance, particular types of trees indicate the presence of certain bird and mammal species. Additionally, the abundance of trees can provide a window into the amount of biomass and other resources available in a given area.
Creating Reconstructions
Combining the information preserved in both grasses and trees, scientists can begin to piece together a picture of the prehistoric paleovegetation. By studying the pollen and spores, as well as fossilized woody plants, they are able to reconstruct a more detailed version of the prehistoric environment. For example, using this information, researchers can create a vegetation map that indicates how much vegetation, or biomass, existed in a given area during a particular time period.
Prehistoric grasses and trees hold many secrets, and with the help of modern technology, scientists are increasingly able to recreate the past. By studying the fossil record and making careful comparisons between modern and ancient plants, they can gain insight into the prehistoric world and chart the development of modern vegetation.