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Nothofagus beardmorensis (Nothofagaceae), a new species based on leaves from the Pliocene Sirius Group, Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 10:03 authored by Robert HillRobert Hill, Harwood, DM, Webb, PN
Leaves from the Late Pliocene Sirius Group at Oliver Bluffs in the Dominion Range, Transantarctic Mountains, are assigned to the new species Nothofagus beardmorensis Hill, Harwood et Webb, sp. nov. The plant which produced the leaves was winter deciduous, and it is probable that the wood and pollen of Nothofagus that co-occur in the sediments are conspecific with N. beardmorensis. The presence of this species in Antarctica in the Pliocene suggests a much different climate than at present, since no extant Nothofagus species can survive temperatures below about -22°C in winter, and temperatures must have been substantially above 0°C for a relatively long period during the growing season for the growth and reproductive effort observed. A preliminary estimate of a 13-15°C temperature difference between fossil deposition and the present day is inferred.

History

Publication title

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology

Volume

94

Issue

1-2

Pagination

11-24

ISSN

0034-6667

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Bv

Place of publication

The Netherlands

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Understanding climate change not elsewhere classified

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