99 - Glossopteris

Hello friends, Welcome to the Fossil Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur. I am Glossopteris. I am a plant fossil. My leaves are simple and entire, typically lanceolate or ovate in shape. They attach to the stem by a short petiole. My leaves display parallel venation, with veins running straight from the base to the tip of the leaf. I produce seeds or reproductive structures on specialized fertile leaves or fronds, which likely played a role in my reproduction. I am a terrestrial plant that thrives in a variety of environments, including tropical and subtropical forests, as well as more temperate regions. My fossils have been found on numerous continents, including Antarctica, South America, Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand. My widespread distribution supports the theory of continental drift and the concept of Gondwana. I was a dominant plant group during the late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic eras, playing a significant role in terrestrial ecosystems as a primary producer. I provided habitat and food for various organisms. I likely had adaptations to thrive in diverse environments, including mechanisms for water conservation and tolerance to a wide range of temperatures. Thank you for visiting.