Fossil Pollen of Hyaenanche from Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): GrÃmsson Friðgeir, Geier Christian, Bouchal Johannes M., Ulrich Silvia, Zetter Reinhard, Vieira Manuel
Primary Institution: University of Vienna
Hypothesis
The study investigates the paleophytogeography and paleoclimate of the relict plant genus Hyaenanche based on fossil pollen from the Eocene of Kenya.
Conclusion
The study reveals that Hyaenanche had a much wider distribution in Africa during the Eocene than it does today.
Supporting Evidence
- The fossil pollen indicates that Hyaenanche was part of lowland coastal vegetation in Eastern Africa during the Eocene.
- The study suggests that the genus dispersed from Europe into Africa prior to the earliest record discovered.
- Fossil records show that Hyaenanche had a much wider distribution in Africa than its current limited range.
Takeaway
Scientists found ancient pollen from a plant called Hyaenanche in Kenya, showing it used to grow in more places than it does now.
Methodology
Fossil pollen was extracted from late Eocene sediments and analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy.
Limitations
The study is based on a single fossil pollen record, which may not represent the full diversity of Hyaenanche in the past.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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