bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geology and organic petrology of some selected Permian and Jurassic coals of Western Australia
Authors: Sappal Krishna K.
Published: September 2022

The commercial coal resources of Western Australia occur in sediments ranging in age from Permian to Jurassic. The coal from each period has distinctive geographical, biological and geological characteristics which effects its utilization in industry and power generation. Currently the Permian intracratonic Collect Basin is the only producing coalfield in Western Australia. The annual production from this coalfield is approximately 6million tonnes, which is mostly used for power generation. Another Permian coal deposit in the Vasse Shelf, located in the southern part of the Perth Basin has potential for export to Asian markets. The Early Jurassic coal of the Hill River area in the northern Perth Basin has been fully explored and is ready for mining as a source for power generation. All three coal deposits represent a measured in situ resource in excess of 1500 million tonnes for Western Australia.

Similar to the Gondwana coals of Australia, the coals are finely banded and the dominant lithotypes are dull banded with minor bright and bright banded types. The maceral composition of the coal is variable, however, the macerals of vitrinite and inertinite groups dominate, and the exinite and mineral matter contents are low, particularly in the Permian coals. On the basis of petrology of coal and the inter-seam sediments the depositional environment for the Permian coal was braided fluvial and fluvio-lacustrine, with marked fluctuations in the water table. The low water table accounts for fusain and inertodetrinite in the coal. The depositional environment for the Jurassic coal was of a low delta with some marine influence, supported by the presence of framboidal pyrite and acritarchs in the coal measures.
Diverse upland Eocene forests, western U.S.A.
Authors: Axelrod Daniel I.
Published: September 2022

Mid-to Late Eocene floras in the eastern United States, preserved in thick piles of volcanic rocks, changed composition with increasing elevation. A deciduous hardwood forest above 455 m was replaced by conifer-deciduous hardwood forest near 1365 m, and it was supplanted by montane conifer forest at levels of about 1730 m. whereas a normal lapse rate (5.5°C/1000 m, usually indicates elevation of modern upland stations within 100-2000 m, a lapse rate of 3.0°C/1000 m, introduced recently to estimate palaeoelevation, yields levels for modern upland stations that are 1000-2000 m higher than actual elevations. Similar levels would be expected for Eocene-Oligocene floras and place treeline fully 1200 m higher than it is today. There is no geologic evidence for such high relief in this area in the Eocene. Furthermore, reasons for the decrease of treeline elevation fully 1000 m in the later Cenozoic-and in the face of increasing relief, are inexplicable.
Late Holocene vegetation of Darjeeling (Jore-Pokhari) eastern Himalaya
Authors: Chauhan M.S. , Sharma Chhaya
Published: September 2022

Pollen analysis of Late Holocene lacustrine sediments from Jore-Pokhari, a temperate lake of eastern Himalaya, has revealed that around 2500 yr B.P. mixed broad-leaved Oak forests existed, reflecting to a warm-temperate and humid climate in the region. Between 1600- and 1000-year B.P. a short-term cool-oscillation is witnessed as evidenced by decline in broad-leaved tree taxa and a simultaneous increase in the conifers. The anthropogenic activities have also been noticed during this period as evidenced by the increase in grasses together with culture pollen such as Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Artemisia and Asteraceae as well as appearance of Cerealia type pollen. Between 1000- and 300-year B.P. the improvement in the broad-leaved taxa, viz., Quercus, Betula and Alnus and reappearance of Rhododenrdron as well as simultaneous decline in Pinus indicate the amelioration of climate which became warm-temperate the humid once again.
Radial growth response of Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies L) Karst. to climate and geohydrological factors
Authors: Karpavichius J. , Karaitis J. , Yadav R.R.
Published: September 2022

The longevity of trees usually limits the chronological span for which the climatic informations could be derived from tree ring sequences of living trees. In Lithuania, Pine and Spruce trees are known to live generally for 200-300 years. Tree ring analysis of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies from different geohydrological conditions has revealed that the tree ring materials of these species from similar ecological conditions could be taken together to prepare long tree ring chronologies for climatic studies. The study has further brought to light that the archaeological material of these species provides the potential to extend the tree ring chronologies for few more centuries back in time.
Convincing evidence of Earth expansion
Authors: Kremp G.O.W.
Published: September 2022

In the present paper all possible convincing evidences have been given on the phenomenon of Earth expansion.
Early Silurian microfossil plants from the upper part of the Xiushan Formation in Guizhou Province, China and their palaeobotanical significance
Authors: Yi Wang , Shu Ouyang , Chongyang Cai
Published: September 2022

The upper part of the Xiushan Formation outcropped at Fenggang, N. Guizhou, China, containing the megafossil plant Pinnatiramsos qianensis Geng, yields a remarkable assemblage of trilete spores (12 species referred to 5 genera), tetrads and acritarchs (11 species referred to 8 genera),tubular elements (6 species referred to 3 genera), leiosphere clusters and cuticle-like fragments (3 types). Evidence from a variety of fossil animal groups indicates that this stratum should be late Llandovery (Telychian). The discovery of trilete and retusoid spores and dispersed tubular elements provide reliable clues to suppose that vascular

Plants had come into existence in the Early Silurian. The presence of tracheids with border pits suggests that Pinnatiramosus qianensis is most likely the oldest known vascular plant.
The plant remains from the Late Famennian of Belgium : A review
Authors: Fairon-Demaret Muriel
Published: September 2022

A short survey of the plant lineages represented in the Late Famennian "Evieux flora" in Belgium is provided. Recent data about the taxonomy of these fossil remains are gathered and the morphological diversity of the early seed plants is emphasised. The climatic conditions prevailing in Belgium at that time are briefly considered.
Micro- and megafloral remains of namurian H-G1 zones from Zhongwei of Ningxia, China
Authors: Yongdong Wang , Guanglong Shen , Xiuyuan Wu
Published: September 2022

Abundant micro- and megafloral remains of Namurian H-G1 zones have been studied from the Hongtuwa Formation in Zhongwei, Ningxia, China. The former consists of 80 species of 45 genera, which can be subdivided into two miospore assemblages, i.e., Lycospora subtriquetra-Gansusispora mammilla (SM) Zone and Gardenasporltes pinnatus-Microreticulatisporites concavus (PC) Zone. They are roughly correlative to the H Zone of Namurian A stage and R-G1 zones of Namurian B-C stages, respectively. The megafloral remains include 23 species of 18 genera and is known as Mesocalamites cistiformis-Paripterisgigantea assemblage. It is comparable with the Middle to Late Namurian flora of the North Qilian Mountains, China. Both micro- and megaplant fossils indicate that the Middle to Late Namurian flora in Zhongwei is dominated mainly by Filices and Pteridospermopsida, Lycopsida and Sphenopsida occupy a subdominant position, while Cordaitopsida and Coniferopsida are not significant. The present flora reflects the coastal plain and delta environments as well as a tropical-subtropical warm and humid palaeoclimate.
Occurrence of Late Permian fossil plants in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Cho Min
Published: September 2022

A number of fossil plants collected from the north-eastern shore of the Centre Island, Tolo Harbour, New Territories, Hong Kong have been described. The specimens are preserved in black carbonaceous shale, silty shale and siltstone, which Allen and Stephen (1971) considered to be of Tolo Harbour Formation possibly of the Permian age, although they had no palaeontological evidence for this supposition.

The specimens which form the first report are: Pecopteris (Asterotheca) cf. norinii Halle, Pecopteris sp. (cf. P. lativenosa Halle); Compsopteris cf. contracta Gu et Zhi; Cordaites cf. shenkii Halle; Gigantopterides (cf. Gigantopteris sp.). They belong to the early Upper Permian (P21) Gigantopteris flora commonly seen in the Longtan Formation (formerly known as Longtan Coal Series) in Guangdong Province, China. Since the stratum yielding the above fossil plants is significantly different from the Tolo Harbour Formation in lithology, fossil contents and age, it has been proposed as a new stratigraphic unit- the Centre Island Formation.
Middle Triassic lycopsid flora of South China and its palaeoecological significance
Authors: Fansong Meng
Published: September 2022

In recent years, a flora characterized by Lycopsida has been found from the Middle Triassic Badong Formation in Yangtze Gorge area, China, and may be subdivided into two plant assemblages, i.e., Anisian, Pleuromeia, marginulata-Annalepis sangzhiensis assemblage and Ladinian Annalepislatiloba-Scytophyllum assemblage. Of them, the former assemblage, containing 18 genera and 30 species, is one of the typical floras of the tidal flat in the world during Anisian. In addition, the character and ecology of the Anisian plant assemblage are emphatically discussed in this paper.
A Jurassic species of Arctobaiera (Czekanowskiales) with leafy long and dwarf shoots from the Middle Jurassic Yima Formation of Henan, China
Authors: Zhiyan Zhou , Bole Zhang
Published: September 2022

A new species of Arctobaiera, A. renbaoi is described based on well-preserved long shoots bearing either helically arranged elongate leaves or dwarf shoots with a bundle of elongate leaves and scales at bases, as well as detached leaves. All leaves are sessile with entire lateral margins and veins branched only at the lower part. They vary considerably in shape. Most commonly, they are entire, spathulate or paddle-shaped and with a more or less obtuse apex, but sometimes shallowly or even more deeply bilobed. The leaves are aniphistomatic with alternate stomatal and non-stomatal strips on both sides. Stomata are haplocheilic (mostly anomocytic) and monocylic to incomplete dicyclic, consisting of sunken guard cells and normally only slightly thickened subsidiary cells of irregular shape and size.

The new species shows some resemblance with the type-species A. flettii Florin, although only dwarf shoots were found in the latter and no anatomical details of leaves and dwarf shoots are known in the present species. The major distinctions between the two species are in the leaf shape and possibly in distribution of stomata. According to Florin, A. flettii bears leaves of the hypostomatic type. Comparisons have also been made between the present species with some other ginkgophytic leaf genera. It is believed that A. renbaoi is a new member of Czekanowskiales, though its fructification remains unknown.
Comparison of Miocene fossil floras in lacustrine deposits: Implications for palaeoclimatic interpretations at the middle latitudes of the Pacific rim
Authors: Yang Hong
Published: September 2022

The Early Neogene Shanwang lacustrine deposit in eastern China is similar to the Clarkia deposit of northern Idaho, U.S.A., in age, sedimentary environment, and fossil preservation. Both lake deposits contain well-preserved non-marine fossil biotas, and both are especially rich in plant remains. The two floras shared a high percentage of common genera, and both showed similar taxonomic diversity and habit. The two Miocene floras are comparable to the present-day mixed mesophytic forests of the Yangtze River (Changjiang) Valley of China. Paleoclimatic comparisons are based on plant fossils for the most part, supplemented by information from other fossil groups and from sedimentological data. Evidence from (i) taxonomic associations (both plant and animal), (ii) foliar physiognomy, (iii) taphonomic characteristics, and (iv) sedimentologic data indicate that in the Early Neogene, the two areas experienced similar climatic conditions. The Clarkia area was slightly warmer and more humid compared to a more seasonal climatic regime in the Shanwang area- even though Clarkia was at about 10 degree higher latitude. Our results support the previous hypothesis that paleoclimate in Early to Middle Miocene time was more equable compared to the present day. Our data further suggest that at similar latitudes floras in western North America represent warmer climatic conditions than their Asian counterparts. The comparative study further suggests that the accuracy of paleoclimatic interpretations can be improved by utilizing large fossil floras of taxonomic diversity from similar environments, and by integrating evidence from other fossil groups and sedimentological records.
On the origin and development of steppe vegetation in China
Authors: Weiming Wang
Published: September 2022

An evaluation on the origin and evolution process of Chinese steppe vegetation is carried out based on the pollen data documented from the Tertiary of China. Original steppe of China dates back to the later stage of Paleogene in Northwest China, where pollen floras exhibit an arid tendency even in the earlier stage of Paleogene. The first occurrence of steppe also coincided with some major environmental changes around the Eocene/Oligocene boundary, such as the herald of Himalayan movement, the retreat of Tethys from the west part of the Chinese Continent, etc., while the development of the steppe was extensively confined by the afterward orogeny and climate fluctuations. Case studies from seven key areas are put forward to show some detailed changing procedure of the steppe vegetation in China.
Significance of the Meso-Neoproterozoic microfossil assemblage from the Deoban Limestone, Garhwal Lesser Himalaya
Authors: Srivastava Purnima , Kumar S.
Published: September 2022

The microfossil assemblage from the Deoban Limestone comprises 75 morphotaxa which have been recognised from the study of petrographic thin sections of black bedded cherts. The assemblage consists of cyanobacterial, bacterial, algal, fungal, acritarchean forms along with forms possibly of animal affinity, and has a significant bearing for palaeobiological, palaeogeographical and palaeoecological studies. The dominance of the cyanobacterial population suggests conservatism in the cyanobacterial community in the microbial setting. In diversity and level of preservation, the assemblage is comparable to the Kheinjua Formation of the Vindhyan Supergroup. If the animal affinity of the Deoban microfossil assemblage is accepted, it would indicate herbivore or heterotrophs dominated food chain in contrast to earlier producer or autotrophs dominated food chain.
Branched microbiota from the bedded black chert of the Krol Formation (Neoproterozoic), Lesser Himalaya, India
Authors: Gautam Rajita , Rai Vibhuti
Published: September 2022

The bedded chert nodules of the lower part of the Krol Formation of Neoproterozoic age, near its type area in Solan District in the Lesser Himalaya, have provided a peep through the Proterozoic window were exceptionally well preserved organic walled microbial fossils show branching in its several forms. The phenomenon of branching is an event that indicates a sudden change in the pattern of life amongst the various morpho-entities of algal-cyanobacterial communities. This phenomenon shows the advancement of life forms towards future diversification in the Phanerozoic history of the earth. The occurrence of branching forms is significant as many of them resemble eukaryotic forms which differ from an earlier stock of prokaryotic cyanobacteria. Apart from branched filaments microfossils comparable to Bangiophyceae, a red alga with typical septate morphology is also recorded. The significance of the biota is discussed in the light of existing records from the Proterozoic successions all over the world.
Physical, chemical and biological changes at geological boundaries: causes, consequences and clues based on the study of Indian sections
Authors: Shukla P.N. , Bhandari N.
Published: September 2022

Significant and abrupt biological changes are known to occur at the geologic boundaries and are invariably accompanied by some specific physical and chemical changes in the sedimentary deposits. At the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary (KTB), for example, shocked minerals, nickel-rich spinels, anomalously high iridium concentration and a variety of other physical and chemical markers have been found. It is generally believed that the biological changes are a consequence of physico-chemical processes which are triggered by some high energy, physical events such as a bolide impact, supernova explosion in the vicinity of the Earth or volcanic episodes. To understand the cause and nature of these physico-chemical processes, a high resolution stratigraphic analysis of physical, chemical, geological, environmental and biological markers of stratigraphic boundaries has been made over the past few decades.

In this article, we summarise the main features of some important bioevent horizons based on typical stratigraphic sequences and then dwell upon various processes which could possibly be responsible for them. The Cretaceous-Tertiary and Permian-Triassic boundaries are discussed in some detail. The clues obtained from the study of stratigraphic sections from India are used to build possible scenarios prevailing at these bioevents.
A megaspore assemblage from the Athgarh Formation and its bearing on the age of the formation
Authors: Jana B.N. , Ghosh A.K.
Published: September 2022

Megaspores have been recorded from the Athgarh Formation of Mahanadi Basin. The megaspore assemblage comprises species of Banksisporites, Bacurnleres, Erlansonisporites, Minerisporites, Saccarisporites, Paxillitriletes, and seed structures referable to Spermatites. The megaspore assemblage has a preponderance of the genera Paxillitriletes and Minerisporites in association with other Early Cretaceous forms, and thus supports the age arrived at on the basis of megafloral data. Spore/pollen investigations had earlier revealed an age ranging between Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous.
Quaternary sediments of Indo-Gangetic, Brahmaputra and adjoining inland basins and the problem of demarcation of Pleistocene-Holocene Boundary
Authors: Kar S.K. , Prasad Surendra , Kumar Gopendra
Published: September 2022

The Quaternary sediments deposited in the Indo-Gangetic, Brahmaputra and adjoining smaller inland basins and Duns formed after the Middle Pleistocene Himalayan Orogenic Movement (HOM-4), are fluvial-fluviolacustrine and or lacustrine in nature. A synthesis of the available data in the Brahmaputra Basin and its comparison with that of the Indo-Gangetic Basin and Duns suggests two cycles of sedimentation, separated by a period of erosion and non-deposition and continuous in inland basins, such as Bhimtal-Naukuchia Tal, Hawalbagh in Kumaun region in Uttar Pradesh and Loktak Lake in Manipur. The sediments of the first cycle which terminated in late Upper Pleistocene are, in general, oxidised and referred to as the Older Alluvium, while that of the second assigned to Holocene, is unoxidised grey in color and constitutes the Newer Alluvium.
Comparative study between Ginkgoites tigrensis Archangelsky and Ginkgo biloba Linn. leaves
Authors: Seoane Liliana Villar de
Published: September 2022

A comparative study between leaves of Ginkgoites tigrensis Archangelsky'1965, which belong to the family Karkeniaceae and those of Ginkgo biloba L. included within the family Ginkgoaceae is realized, using light microscopy (LM) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). The fossil cuticles occur in the sediments located in Baqueró Formation (Lower Cretaceous), Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. The morphological, anatomical and ultrastructural analyses indicate great similarities between fossil and extant leaves.
Fossil dicotyledonous liana Anamirta pfeifferi sp. nov. (Menispermaceae) from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of India
Authors: Bonde S.D.
Published: September 2022

A fossil dicotyledonous woody liana, Anamirta pfeifferi sp. nov., showing anomalous secondary growth has been described from the Deccan Intertrappean beds of Nawargaon-Maragsur area, district Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The wood exhibits pluriseriate secondary growth with alternate concentric rings of xylem and phloem, vascular bundles in a ring separated by broad primary xylem rays, differentiated pith and endarch primary xylem. Pluriseriate type of anomalous secondary growth in a fossil dicotyledonous wood has been described here for the first time.
Palynology of the Permian coal from Barjora of West Bengal, India
Authors: Pal Chhaya , Roy S.K.
Published: September 2022

Palynological investigations carried out on bore-hole BRJ-003 Barjora of Bankura District in West Bengal, India shows that the assemblage is rich in disaccate pollen grains with predominance of Scheuringipollenites, Straitopodocarpites, Striatopicetes, Lahirites along with a few trilete-tetrahedral spores and monosulcates. The general characteristics of the assemblage indicate Barakar palynoflora.
First find of the Early Permian Lower Gondwana plant remains and palynomorphs from the Chhongtash Formation (Upper Shyok valley), eastern Karakoram, India
Authors: Upadhyay Rajeev , Chandra Rakesh , Rai Hakim , Jha Neerja , Chandra Shaila , Kar R.K. , Sinha Anshu K.
Published: September 2022

A sedimentary sequence mainly consists of black shale, siltstone, calcareous sandstone and dark argillaceous limestone overlying pillow lava and thinly bedded limestone of the Chhongtash Formation near Chhongtash locality (Upper Shyok valley, eastern Karakoram, India) contains abundant, but poorly preserved plant fossils and palynomorphs probably referable to the Early Permian or Late Asselian (~275 Ma) interval. The plant fossils and associated palynological assemblages of eastern Karakoram show a marked similarity to the marine Lower Gondwana assemblages of the Salt Range and Talchir-Karharbari assemblages of Central India. Based on the present discovery it is suggested that, before the accretion of Cimmerian microplates to the Eurasian continent, the Karakoram microplate in its incipient state was not far from the Salt Range and located along the northern margin of the Indian subcontinent as Peri-Gondwanan microplate.
Denwasporites gen. nov.: A prepollen from the Upper Triassic of India
Authors: Kumar Pramod
Published: September 2022

Denwasporites a new prepollen genus is recorded from the Upper Triassic Denwa Formation of the Satpura Basin. It is a monolete form with a weak intrapunctate exine.
Saksenasporites gen. nov.- A Permian megaspore from Birsinghpur Pali, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Tripathi R.P.
Published: September 2022

A new taxon of Permian megaspore, Saksenasporites gen. nov., is described from Birsinghpur Pali, Madhya Pradesh (India). The new megaspore is characterised by unequal trilete laesurae, one or two of them extending beyond arcuate ridges, mixed verrucose- baculose sexine sculpture, distinct contact areas delimited by arcuate ridges, and unpitted nexine. A new suprainfraturma, Verrucosi-baculati nov., is proposed in the text. Taxonomic consideration of the new megaspore is based on SEM and LM studies.
Plant fossils from Arung Khola and Binai Khola formations of Churia Group (Siwalik), west central Nepal and their palaeoecological and phytogeographical significance
Authors: Konomatsu M. , Awasthi N.
Published: September 2022

Systematic study of plant megafossils comprising dicotyledonous leaves and seeds collected from the Arung Khola and Binai Khola formations of the Churia Group, exposed in Tinau Khola and Mahendra Highway between Barghat and Dumkibas, Nepal, has revealed 15 taxa out of which 14 are new belonging to 14 genera of 12 families. They are named as Orophea siwalika sp. nov., Miliusa brochidodroma sp. nov. (Annonaceae); Gynocardia butwalensis sp. nov. (Flacourtiaceae); Shorea miocenica sp. nov., S. nepalensis sp. nov., Hopea siwalika Antal & Awasthi (Dipterocarpaceae); Grewia mallotophylla sp. nov. (Tiliaceae); Chisocheton ellipticus sp. nov., Ventilago ovatus sp. nov. (Rubiaceae), Swintonia butwalensis sp. nov. (Anacardiaceae); Mitragyna tertiara sp. nov., Mussaendopsis suborbiculatus sp. nov. (Rubiaceae); Alangium nepalensis sp. nov. (Alangiaceae); Homonoia lanceolata sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) and Ficus miocenicus sp. nov. (Moraceae). The modern counterparts of these fossils are mostly distributed in the tropical evergreen to semi-evergreen forests of Indo-Malayan region which indicate the existence of similar types of forests in the frontal Himalayan foot-hill zone during the Middle Miocene-Pliocene. The absence of tropical evergreen dipterocarps and their associates in the present-day flora of this region reflects changes in the annual mean temperature and rainfall caused by further uplift of the Himalayas and the northward movement of the Indian Plate.
On the genus Pantophyllum Rigby 1984
Authors: Maheshwari H.K , Singh Shiv Mohan
Published: September 2022

The nomenclature of Cordaites-type leaves in the Permian Gondwana of India is re-examined. The authors agree that on the basis of the cuticular features these leaves may not be assigned to the genus Cordaites Unger. The hitherto commonly used name Noeggerathiopsis Feistmantel 1879 is also unacceptable because the type specimen of the generic type [Noeggerathiopsis hislopii (Bunbury 1861) Feistmantel 1879a] is a fragment of a leaf that probably had ginkgopsid affinities. The type specimen originates from the Kamthi Formation which according to the new interpretation is dated as Triassic in age. It is therefore proposed that all Cordaites-type leaves from the Permian Gondwana of India earlier placed in the genus Noeggerathiopsis should be transferred to the genus Pantophyllum.
Occurrence of palynofossils from the Tirap River section (Disang Group), Tinsukia District, Assam
Authors: Mandaokar B.D.
Published: September 2022

Disang shale exposed on the Tirap River section yielded 23 genera and 24 species of palynomorphs. The palynoassemblage is dominated by pteridophytic spores and angiospermic pollen grains, whereas gymnospermic elements are rare. The presence of Striatriletes, Polypodiisporites, Schizaeoisporites, Striacolporites, Lakiapollis, Tricolpopollenites, Phragmothyrites and Inapertisporites suggests an Eocene age to the assemblage.
Investigations on a fossil agavaceous axis from Neyveli Lignite, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ambwani K.
Published: September 2022

Further anatomical observations on a fossil agavaceous axis from Neyveli lignite Mine-I, Neyveli, Tamil Nadu show the presence of anomalous secondary growth with amphivasal vascular bundles as well as other cell inclusions such as raphides. Simple perforation in the fossil vessel end plates suggests an advanced character of the plant. The Association of monosulcate reticulate pollen (cf. Liliacidites) in the same axis further supports its affinities with Liliaceae.
Academician Aleksandr Leonidovich Yanshin
Authors: Sinha Anshu K.
Published: September 2022

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Plant fossil assemblage from the talchir formation, Auranga coalfield, Bihar, India
Authors: Tewari Rajni , Srivastava A.K.
Published: September 2022

Investigations on the Talchir sediments of Auranga Coalfield have yielded well preserved plant fossils from Jaitri river section situated about 1·5 km northeast of Latehar town of Palamau District, Bihar. The assemblage is represented by the species of Gangamopteris (G. cyclopteroides, G. fibrosa, G. clarkeana, G. major; G. angustifolia, G. karharbariensis, Gangamopteris sp.) and Glossopteris (G. talchirensis, G. indica, G. communis, G. stenoneura, G. tenuifolia, G. spatulala) besides a number of scale leaves and equisetalean-stem axes. The known records of plant fossils from the Talchir Formation indicate dominance of Gangamopteris leaves (10 sp.) whereas, Glossopteris leaves are recorded by only two species. The present report of occurrence of six species of Glossopteris and seven species of Gangamopteris demonstrates simultaneous settlement and diversification 0f the two types of glossopterid leaves i.e., midrib-less forms of Gangamopteris and midrib possessing forms of Glossopteris, during the early phase (The Talchir Formation) of Glossopteris flora.
Early Cretaceous megaflora from Bartala Hill, Rajmahal Basin, India
Authors: Banerji J. , Jana B.N.
Published: September 2022

The present paper deals with megafloral investigation of Bartala locality of Rajmahal Basin. Nine taxa are recorded for the first time from this locality: Hausmannia, Taeniopteris, Anomozamites, Pterophyllum, Pseudoctenis, Dictyozamites, Ginkgoites, Desmiophyllum. Elatocladus and Brachyphyllum. The assemblage is dominated by cycadophytes, pteridophytes and conifers are scarcely represented. Predominance of Anomozamites in this assemblage perhaps shows the local variation. On the basis of assemblage correlation, an Early Cretaceous age has been suggested.
Rhodospathodendron tomlinsonii gen. et sp. nov., an araceous viny axis from the Nawargaon intertrappean beds of India
Authors: Bonde S.D.
Published: September 2022

Rhodospathodendron tomlinsonii gen. el sp. nov. a monocotyledonous viny axis has been described from the Deccan interrrappean beds exposed at Nawargaon, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India. The fossil represents a thin aerial stem, endogenous roots and leaf sheaths. Externally it shows scars of roots. Broad and well differentiated cortex of the stem with a distinct vascular system and trichosclereids; vascular region with compact arrangement of amphivasal, compound and trace bundles and angular vessels suggest its close resemblance with Rhodospotha (Subfamily - Monsteroideae) of Araceae.
Canariocarpon ratnagiriensis gen. et sp. nov. from Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Aggarwal A. , Ambwani K.
Published: September 2022

Fossil carbonised angiospermous fruil Canariocarpon ratnagiriensis gen. et sp. nov. has been described from the Miocene sediments of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. The detailed morphological characters indicate its affinities with extant Canarium of Burseraceae. Occurrence of Canarium type fruits in these sediments signifies warm-humid climate prevailing during the time of deposition.
Mangrove history since 1,500 years B.P. at Dangmal, Baitarni-Brahmani Delta, Orissa, India
Authors: Khandelwal Asha , Gupta H.P.
Published: September 2022

The paper embodies the results of fine resolution palynostratigraphy of a sediment profile dated 1,500 years B.P. from Dangmal, an area within Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary in Cuttack District, Orissa. It is second largest mangrove swamp in India covering an area of 142 sq. km with thickets of mangrove forest. Bhitarkanika is famous for beautiful repository of mangrove constituents wherein 61 species out of the total 67 Indian species exist signifying the mangrove diversity. The bottom samples of profile exhibited rich occurrence of palynodebris such as pollen, spores, diatoms, dinoflagellate cysts, microforaminifera, Pseudoschizaea, etc. The core mangrove taxa encountered are Rhizophora, Heritiera, Sonneratia, Avicennia, Excoecaria, Aegialitis, etc. indicating conducive environment for growth and development of mangroves. However, the frequency of both core and peripheral mangroves declined in the middle and further reduced in the upper part of the profile. It has been found that there was comparatively low degree of mangal exploitation at Dangmal as compared to other investigated areas of Mahanadi Delta, Orissa.
Palynological investigation of the tura formation (early eocene) exposed along the tura-dalu road, west Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Tripathi S.K.M. , Saxena R.K. , Prasad Vandana
Published: September 2022

The present paper deals with the palynological study of the Tura Formation exposed along the Tura Dalu Road in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The recovered palynoflora is represented by dinoflagellate cysts, fungal remains, pteridophytic spores and angiosperm pollen. The assemblage is dominated by angiosperm pollen assignable to the families Arecaceae, Liliaceae, Oleaceae, Bombacaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Unieaceae and Alangiaceae. Three new species of angiosperm pollen viz.. Retitricolpites singhii, Lanagiopollis meghalayaensis and Lanagiopollis subglobosus have been proposed. Pteridophytic spores, which constitute the subdominant clement of the assemblage, are assignable to the families Osmundaceae, Matoniaceae. Polypodiaceae. Sehizaeaceae and Parkeriaceae. Based on the quantitative analysis of the palynoflora, the studied sequence has been divided into three formal palynological assemblage zones. In ascending order, these are: (1) Lanagiopollis spp. Assemblage-zone (2) Palmidites spp. Assemblage-zone and (3) Tricolporopilites spp. Assemblage-zone. A comparison of the present assemblage with other Palaeogene assemblages of India indicates that it correlates well with those known from the upper pan of the Mikir Formation. Nonh Cachar Hills. Assam; the Prang Formation, Jaintia Hills Meghalaya; the Naredi Formation, Kutch; and the Rajpardi Lignite, Gujarat. Since these formations are of Early Eocene age, the studied sequence is also dated as Early Eocene. Most families represented in the assemblage are presently distributed in tropical to subtropical regions. indicating a similar climate during the deposition of Tura sediments. The presence of coastal elements and dinoflagellate cysts in the assemblage is indicative of a littoral depositional environment.
Palynological investigation of the Siju Formation (middle eocene) in the type area, south Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Saxena R.K. , Sarkar Samir
Published: September 2022

A palynofloral assemblage. consisting of 37 genera and 53 species, has been recorded from the Siju Formation (Middle Eocene) exposed along Simsang River near Siju, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The assemblage is dominated by dinoflagellate cysts and acritarchs (73%) followed by fungal remains (26%) whereas spores-pollen (I %) are rare. Predominant palynotaxa of the assemblage are Achomosphaera ramulifera, Cleistosphaeridium brevispinosum, C. sijuensis, Collumosphaera fruticosa, Homotryblium floripes, H. pallidum, H. tenuispinosum, Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Operculodium centrocarpum, O. major; etc. Three species. viz.. Cleistosphaeridium sijuensis. Collumosphaera garoellsis and Thalassiphora indica, are proposed as new. On the basis of frequency and distribution of palynotaxa, two cenozones, viz.. Homotryblium pallidum Cenozone and Cleistosphaeridium sijuensis Cenozone, have been proposed in the Siju Formation. These cenozones can be recognized by their characteristic and restricted palynotaxa. The palynoflora indicates prevalence of tropical (warm-humid) climate and presence of mangrove elements along the shore and also wet evergreen forest further inland. The environment of deposition has been interpreted as marginal marine. The palynoflora has been compared with the Eocene assemblages recorded from various sedimentary basins of India and has been assigned a Middle Eocene age.
Palynofloral investigation of the kopili formation (late eocene) exposed near Umrongso in North Cachar Hills District, Assam, India
Authors: Trivedi G.K. , Saxena R.K.
Published: September 2022

The palynoflora recovered from the Kopili Formation (Late Eocene) exposed al 8'5 km south-east of Umrongso on Umrongso-Haflong Road, North Cachar Hills. Assam. India is described here. The pteridophytic spores, represenled by Cyathidites, Striatriletes, Todisporites, Polypodiaceaesporites. Lygodiumsporites, Polypodiisporites, etc., constitute the major part (60%) of the assemblage whereas gymnospermous pollen are poorly represented. The angiospermous pollen (35%) are represented by Densiverrupollenites, Tricolporopollis, Retitricolporites etc. Dinoflagellate cysts and fungal remains have also been recorded. Reworked Permian and Triassic palynofossils Iike Indotriradites and Klausipollenites respectively are also met with. The palynoflora indicates that the area enjoyed a tropical-subtropical, warm-humid climate and that the deposition of the Kopili Formation took place in a coastal environment with heavy rainfall and sufficient fresh water influx.
Palynological investigation of the kherapara formation (oligocene) exposed along tura-dalu road near Kherapara, west Garo Hills District, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Rao M.R.
Published: September 2022

A diversified palynofloral assemblage has been recovered from the Kherapara Formation (Oligocene) exposed along Tura-Dalu Road near Kherapara. West Garo Hills District. Meghalaya. India. The palynoflora is represented by 53 genera and 77 species of algal and fungal remains, pteridophytic spores and gymnospermous and angiospermous pollen. Of these, three species, viz. Garotriletes kheraparaensis, Striatriletes tetradites and Echistephanocolpites quadrangullaris have been proposed as new. Reworked Permian and Cretaceous palynofossils (10 genera and 11 species) have also been recorded. The assemblage is dominated by pteridophytic spores followed by angiospermous and gymnospermous pollen. Based on palynofossil distribution. the Kherapara Formation is divisible into two cenozones. viz., Polyadopollenites sahii Cenozone and Striatriletes spp. Cenozone which can be recognised by their characteristic and restricted palynotaxa. On the basis of affinity with the modem plant families represented in the assemblage and dominance of pteridophytic spores, a tropical-subtropical (warm-humid) climate has been suggested. The assemblage contains a mixture of ecological groups such as lowland. fresh water swamp and water edge, montane, mangrove and back-mangrove and sandy beach elements. The palynoflora indicates a coastal marine depositional environment of deposition having fresh water connections with swamps and ponding conditions nearby.
Pollen evidence of late-quaternary vegetation and climate change in Northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Chauhan M.S.
Published: September 2022

Pollen analysis of 1·5 m deep sediment core from Jagmotha Swamp, Sidhi (M.P.). India has shown that between 6.500 to 4,250 yrs BP, the tree-savannah vegetation chiefly comprising grasses, sedges, Cheno/Ams, Artemisia together with scattered trees such as Emblica officinalis, Terminalia and Syzygium existed in the region under cool and dry climatic regime with an ameliorating trend. Between 4,250 to 2,900 yrs BP, the tree-savannahs transformed into open mixed deciduous forests with the invasion of some more deciduous trees viz., Adina cordifolia, Holoptelea and Lagerstroemia, indicating the onset of warm and moist climate. Subsequently, between 2.900 to 1.050 yrs BP the mixed deciduous forests became dense and diversified as evidenced from the improved frequencies of most of the tree taxa as well as immigration of Shorea robusta (sal) along with Lannea coromandelica, Bauhinia, Helicteres, etc. Such a change in the floristic composition suggests that warm and moist climate with increased precipitation prevailed in the region. Shorea robusta (sal) assumed dominance over other forest constituents around 1,050 yrs BP in response to prevalence on moister climate in the region.
Tree-ring Analysis of teak (Tectona grandis) ring width chronology from Mae Na, Thailand
Authors: Borgaonkar H.P. , Pumijumnong Nathsuda , Buckley B.M. , Taesumrith O. , Chutiwat S.
Published: September 2022

Tree-ring analysis of about 39 core samples of teak (Tectona grandis) collected from undisturbed natural forests near Mae Na, Thailand was carried out. All samples show good cross matching within the tree and between the trees. Chronology statistics indicate the usefulness of the species in dendroclimatic studies. Tree growth -climate relationship based on correlation and response function analysis revealed the important role of precipitation during the monsoon months.
Cedrela angustifolia Ses. et Moc. ex Dc., Meliaceae: Potential species for tropical dendrochronology
Authors: Tomazello F M. , Botosso P.C. , Lisi C.S. , Spathelf P.
Published: September 2022

The characteristics of Cedrela angustifolia, i.e., its dendrology, ecology, silviculture and wood anatomy were described. This Meliaceae species naturally occurring in Latin America produces annual growth rings with sensibility to climatic variables, such as rainfall and temperature, showing potentiality to climatic reconstruction. The X-ray densitometry of the wood constitutes, besides the usual wood anatomy analysis, a suitable method to delimit the annual growth rings, as well as, to determine the wood density variation from pith to bark and within the growth rings.
A Dendrometer band study of Teak (Tectona grandis L.F.) in North Thailand
Authors: Buckley B.M. , Tongjit O. , Poonsri R. , Pumijumnong N.
Published: September 2022

We present results from a dendrometer band study of teak in north Thailand. We track daily circumferential changes for three trees over nearly sixteen months from November 3, 1998 to February 29, 2000. This period encompasses one complete cycle of dry and wet seasons, along with the very important transitions from wet to dry (November) and from dry to wet (April). Circumferential changes were observed for all three stems; decreasing in response to the onset of drought, and increasing following rain events, particularly after leafout and during the wet season. Dry-season rain events also resulted in stem swelling, when the trees were devoid of leaves and thought to be dormant. While these dormant-season fluctuations can be attributed to hydration/dessication of the stem tissue and not cambial cell division, there appears to be a net gain in circumference following a rain event in the middle of the first dry season. We therefore stress the importance of climate/physiology relationships even during periods of dormancy. We recognise the need for more detailed monitoring of environmental and growth factors, to maximize our understanding of the effects of climate on cambial activity and radial growth. This information is critical for understanding the complex relationships between climate and tree growth in these tropical forests, for which precious little data exist.
Preliminary relationships between climate and the apical extension, needle production and ring width of Pinus ponderosa in Arizona, USA
Authors: Hemming Debbie , Jalkanen Risto , Leavitt Steven W.
Published: September 2022

Measurements of apical extension (height increment), needle production and ring width from a detailed sequence of measurements on one Pinus ponderosa tree from the Santa Catalina Mountains, southern Arizona, USA for the period 1962 - 1998 are presented. From these measurements the relationships between tree age and height, and tree height and diameter at breast height are determined. These are compared with the overall site trends for the same relationships determined from height and basal age of individual trees, and the site ring width chronology to test whether the growth of the individual tree is comparable with that of other trees at the study site.

Needle production and apical extension are highly correlated (r = 0.67) and show generally similar climate correlations. Ring widths are not significantly correlated with either of these series but all three series are significantly positively correlated with precipitation and dew point temperature during the relatively dry months of March, April and May of the growth year. This seems to be the dominant factor influencing ring width growth. However, needle production and apical extension also appear to be related to both climatological conditions during the year of bud formation as well as during the year of growth. These relationships can be explained by either bud formation processes, depletion of stored carbohydrates that would otherwise be used for bud formation or variations in the rate of apical growth. Further data are required to support some of the climate relationships.

Although there was suppression in the early growth of the individual tree, for the periods when the needle density data and isotope tracer results apply, growth of the individual tree corresponds with average site growth trends. Given this consistency, it is not unreasonable to use the needle production and stable isotope tracer results, which are only available for this tree, to calibrate, verify and parameterize the Tree Ring model.
New Biology towards Socio-economic Progress
Authors: Sharma Manju
Published: September 2022

Prof. Birbal Sahni, the founder Director of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany paved the way for systematic developments in this field from botanical and geological aspects. Palaeobotany is the study of ancient life. The Indian sub-continent is bestowed with enormous biodiversity and richness of biological resources. The grave consequence of loss of biological diversity has to be understood on scientific basis. The global biological heritage, both for the present and for the future will have a proven influence on the potential of constructing a sustainable agriculture and forestry system which will produce useful products for the sustenance of human life. The work in new biology and the advent of biotechnology and genetic engineering have given a large number of fundamentals, innovations, tools and techniques. The scientists can produce crops with desired traits, enhance the food productivity and nutritional status of the crops, produce new vaccines and diagnostics, develop packages for environmental restoration and protection of biodiversity. The future advances in new biology offer enormous potential both for economic and societal development.

Keywords- Biology, Technology, Genome, Biodiversity, Protein.
Palynology of the Late Pliocene sediments of Pinjor Formation, Haryana, India
Authors: Rao M.R. , Patnaik R.
Published: September 2022

Present study highlights the palynoassemblage consisting of algal and fungal remains, Pteridophytic spores, gymnosperm and angiosperm pollen recovered from the Pinjor Formation exposed at Nadah, Panchkula, Haryana. The assemblage is dominated by pollen of gymnosperms and angiosperms followed by pteridophytic spores. Algal remains assignable to the Zygnemataceae (Spirogyra, Mougeotia and Zygnema), fungal spores (Polyadosporites and Frasnacritetrus), pteridophytic spores Lycopodiumsporites (Lycopodium), Pteridacidites (Pteris) and Striatriletes (Ceratopteris), gymnosperm pollen Pinuspollenites (Pinus), Piceapollenites (Picea) and Abiespollenites (Abies) have been recorded. Angiosperm pollen are mainly represented by Pinjoriapollis (Magnolia), Retitrescolpites, Graminidites,  Chenopodipollis and Malvacearumpollis. On the basis of their affinities with the modem equivalents, a warm and humid tropical-subtropical climate has been inferred for the Pinjor Formation. The presence of Spirogyra, Mougeotia, Zygnema, Lycopodium, Ceratopteris, fungal spores (Polyadosporites spp.) and angiosperm pollen (Malvacearumpollis) collectively suggest the existence of moist and swampy depositional environment. The presence of grass pollen (Poaceae) indicates the existence of herbaceous flora. The significant drop in grass pollen coinciding with the good proportion of ferns in the middle part of the Pinjor Formation suggests that the vegetation was changed from dry to mainly wet and marshy grassland. Based on the overall palynofloral assemblage. a wet grassland with open and mixed flora during the Pinjor sedimentation has been inferred. The temperate elements viz., Abies, Pinus and Picea appear to be derived from the nearby upland areas of the rising Himalaya.