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Prehistoric Flowers Today: Living Fossils
From Dinosaurs to Today: The Enduring Beauty of Prehistoric Flowers
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-432-ECO
Published in
08-31-2024
Magnolias evolved before bees appeared. This means that their flowers adapted to be pollinated by beetles, which gives them a unique and primitive appearance. Pictured here is the magnolia.
Although there are no flowers that are exactly the same as those from prehistory, there are many species that have survived millions of years and that we can admire today. These "living fossils" are a window to the past and allow us to imagine what the landscapes of our ancestors were like.
1-Magnolias: At more than 140 million years old, magnolias are one of the oldest angiosperms. Their large, showy flowers make them very popular in gardens.
2-Ginkgo biloba: This tree, known as the "living fossil", has survived millions of years practically unchanged. Its fan-shaped leaves and yellow fruits are very characteristic.
3-Cycas: These plants, often confused with palm trees, are actually much older. Their large, pinnate leaves give them an exotic appearance.
A Botanical Journey Through Time: Prehistoric Flowers
Other prehistoric plants that you can find are:
(In the Image Ginkgo biloba)
a) Ferns: Many types of ferns, such as the maidenhair fern, the lady fern and the autumn fern, are descendants of plants that lived millions of years ago.
b) Araucaria araucana: This conifer, also known as the Araucanian pine, is a slow-growing tree that can reach an age of several centuries.
Pictured here is a Cyca flower. Cycas are considered "living fossils". They appeared on Earth millions of years ago, even before the dinosaurs. Their appearance has changed little throughout evolution, making them a true botanical treasure.
Why have these plants survived so long?
Adaptability : These plants have developed adaptations that allow them to survive in diverse environments and withstand climate changes.
Reproduction: Many of these plants reproduce efficiently, allowing them to maintain their populations over time.
Protected habitats: Some of these plants have found refuge in remote locations or in stable environmental conditions, which has protected them from mass extinctions.
Where can you find these plants? Many botanical gardens cultivate collections of prehistoric plants. You can also find some of these plants in specialized nurseries. In some places around the world, these plants still grow in the wild.
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