Glossopteris Fossils Lecture Notes

Question-and-answer flashcards covering the definition, time period, distribution, and geological significance of Glossopteris fossils.

What are Glossopteris fossils?

They are the fossilized remains of an extinct genus of seed ferns that lived during the Permian and Triassic periods.

During which geologic periods did Glossopteris plants live?

The Permian and Triassic periods, roughly 300–250 million years ago.

What kind of plant was Glossopteris and what was distinctive about its leaves?

It was likely a shrub or tree (a seed fern) with characteristic tongue-shaped leaves, the most commonly preserved part.

Name the modern continents where Glossopteris fossils have been found.

South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica.

Why can’t normal seed dispersal explain the distribution of Glossopteris fossils across multiple continents?

Because identical fossils are spread over continents now separated by vast oceans, indicating the landmasses were once joined rather than seeds traveling such distances.

Which ancient supercontinent was formed by the landmasses that now hold Glossopteris fossils?

Gondwana.

How do Glossopteris fossils support the idea of continental drift?

Their identical presence on widely separated continents shows those continents were once connected, providing strong evidence that they drifted apart over time.

Which overarching geological theory is reinforced by the evidence from Glossopteris fossils?

The theory of plate tectonics.

Approximately how many million years ago did Glossopteris flourish?

Between about 300 and 250 million years ago.

What is the broader scientific significance of discovering identical Glossopteris fossils on different continents?

It offers compelling evidence of past continental configurations, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s geological history and supporting plate tectonics.