Fossil find in Portugal unveils ancient conifer species
Palaeontologists have discovered fossils of two previously unknown species of coniferous trees, dating back 100 million years, in central western Portugal.
A team of palaeontologists from the University of Coimbra made a remarkable discovery in the Juncal municipality, located in the Leiria district. They unearthed fossils of two species of coniferous trees from the extinct family Cheirolepidiaceae, which existed around 100 million years ago.
During the research in 2022, scientists unearthed fossils of a male cone and well-preserved pollen sacs. Large quantities of amber were also found at the site. Scientists suggest that other species from the Lower Cretaceous period might also exist in this area.
Mario Mendes, a co-author of the study, explained that the identification of one species was possible due to the analysis of branch fossils. Both tree species are thought to have grown in wetland areas and likely dispersed pollen by wind, although the involvement of insects cannot be ruled out, as indicated by pollen found in the digestive tract of one of them.
Researchers from Coimbra continue to analyse the amber and fossils, hoping to discover additional plant species. The research findings will be published in the "International Journal of Plant Sciences".
