02451nas a2200229 4500008004100000022001300041245007300054210006600127300001100193490000800204520176100212653001901973653002101992653001102013653001402024653002302038100002302061700002702084700002502111700001802136856006702154 2021 eng d a0034666700aThe classic mid-Devonian Eospermatopteris localities, Gilboa NY, USA0 aclassic midDevonian Eospermatopteris localities Gilboa NY USA a1045200 v2953 a

For over 150 years, the mid-Devonian Eospermatopteris stump cast localities comprising the “oldest known petrified forest” of Goldring (1927) at Gilboa, New York have rarely been accessible for study. In 2010–2013, we had the opportunity to appraise all three major sites. Presented here are observations focusing on botanical data that may prove useful for interpreting future sites. Eospermatopteris at Riverside Quarry consists of stem base casts/molds, and corresponding root mounds on a paleosol surface. Sizes, spatial distributions, and unusual occurrences of the root mounds are assessed. Trunks above the base are also observed as compressions showing features of outer cortex and probable vascular tissues, as interpreted from previous examples. An arboreal isoetalean is noted on the paleosol along with an enigmatic mound possibly representing a Stigmaria-like root system similar to that described at Cairo NY. Details of aneurophytalean stems on the paleosol surface are presented including evidence of attached lateral branch systems, or possible rooting structures of small size. The paleosol at Gilboa Dam is remarkably similar to that at Riverside Quarry, but with carbonaceous remains much better preserved. Eospermatopteris base casts and root mounds are present along with probable aneurophytalean stems showing abundant evidence of attached lateral branches that are themselves profusely branched. The Manorkill locality exhibits weathered Eospermatopteris casts that outcrop along a ledge offering profile views. The Gilboa localities are significant in providing probably the best botanical data on rooted and close to in place floral elements from a mid-Devonian paleosol to date.

10aAneurophytales10aEospermatopteris10aGilboa10aLycopsida10aPseudosporochnales1 aStein, William, E.1 aBerry, Christopher, M.1 aVanAller Hernick, L.1 aMannolini, F. uhttps://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S003466672100144502288nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001300041245009200054210006900146300001500215490000700230520145300237100002301690700002701713700002501740700002901765700001801794700002501812700001601837700002501853700002501878700002401903700002401927856008301951 2020 eng d a0960982200aMid-Devonian Archaeopteris Roots Signal Revolutionary Change in Earliest Fossil Forests0 aMidDevonian Archaeopteris Roots Signal Revolutionary Change in E a421-431.e20 v303 a

The origin of trees and forests in the Mid Devonian (393–383 Ma) was a turning point in Earth history, marking permanent changes to terrestrial ecology, geochemical cycles, atmospheric CO2 levels, and climate. However, how all these factors interrelate remains largely unknown. From a fossil soil (palaeosol) in the Catskill region near Cairo NY, USA, we report evidence of the oldest forest (mid Givetian) yet identified worldwide. Similar to the famous site at Gilboa, NY, we find treefern-like Eospermatopteris (Cladoxylopsida). However, the environment at Cairo appears to have been periodically drier. Along with a single enigmatic root system potentially belonging to a very early rhizomorphic lycopsid, we see spectacularly extensive root systems here assigned to the lignophyte group containing the genus Archaeopteris. This group appears pivotal to the subsequent evolutionary history of forests due to possession of multiple advanced features and likely relationship to subsequently dominant seed plants. Here we show that Archaeopteris had a highly advanced root system essentially comparable to modern seed plants. This suggests a unique ecological role for the group involving greatly expanded energy and resource utilization, with consequent influence on global processes much greater than expected from tree size or rooting depth alone.

1 aStein, William, E.1 aBerry, Christopher, M.1 aMorris, Jennifer, L.1 aHernick, Linda, VanAller1 aMannolini, F.1 aVer Straeten, C., A.1 aLanding, E.1 aMarshall, John, E.A.1 aWellman, Charles, H.1 aBeerling, David, J.1 aLeake, Jonathan, R. uhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982219315696?via%3Dihub