"Unearthed: Bizarre 350-Million-Year-Old Tree Baffles Scientists"

1 min read
Source: Newsweek
"Unearthed: Bizarre 350-Million-Year-Old Tree Baffles Scientists"
Photo: Newsweek
TL;DR Summary

Rare fossils have unveiled a previously unknown and "absolutely unique" type of tree, Sanfordiacaulis densifolia, from 350 million years ago in New Brunswick, Canada. These prehistoric trees represent a new genus and species, with over 250 leaves crowded around a non-woody trunk, forming a canopy about 20 feet in diameter. The fossils were preserved due to seismic events that caused the trees to float into a lake before sinking to the bottom. This discovery sheds light on the forest structure and plant evolution during the Carboniferous period, providing insight into the early development of forests and its impact on the planet.

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