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Metasequoia occidentalis
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Metasequoia occidentalis
Eocene fossil leaves from Spitsbergen. Specimen held at the Natural History Museum, London
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Media ID 8593737
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10712794
Black Background Cenozoic Conifer Coniferae Coniferophyta Coniferous Cupressaceae Eocene Fossil Fossilised Gymnosperm Palaeogene Phanerozoic Pinales Pinophyta Pinopsida Prehistoric Redwood Specimen Spitsbergen Tertiary Tertiary Period Dawn Redwood
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases a beautifully preserved fossil leaf of Metasequoia occidentalis, also known as the Dawn Redwood, taken from the Eocene deposits found in Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The leaf specimen is currently held at the esteemed Natural History Museum in London. Metasequoia occidentalis is a coniferous tree that was once thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in China in 1941. However, fossil records indicate that it was once widespread during the Tertiary period, around 50 to 66 million years ago, making it a fascinating link to the prehistoric world. This particular specimen is a testament to the remarkable preservation capabilities of the Arctic permafrost. The leaf, with its distinctive shape and intricate vein structure, is a clear example of the Cupressaceae family, which includes modern conifers such as cypress, redwoods, and sequoias. The Dawn Redwood is classified as a gymnosperm, meaning it produces naked seeds, and is part of the Pinophyta division, which includes all conifers and a few other seed-producing plants. It belongs to the Pinopsida class, the subclass of conifers with seeds enclosed in a woody cone, and the Pinales order. This studio shot highlights the exquisite detail of the fossilized leaf, allowing us to appreciate its ancient beauty and the rich history it holds. The Dawn Redwood's presence in the Eocene period, during the Cenozoic era and the Phanerozoic Con, adds to our understanding of the Earth's biosphere during a time when modern plant life was beginning to take shape.
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