Discovery of Ancient Trees Challenges Previous Understandings of Plant Evolution

Newly unearthed 350-million-year-old trees in Canada reveal complex forest ecosystems, predating earlier theories by millions of years.

350-million-year-old trees discovered in Canada, showcasing architecture similar to modern ferns and tree ferns.
The trees, named Sanfordiacaulis densifolia, represent a new genus and species, challenging previous understandings of plant evolution.
Fossils include unique three-dimensional crown shapes, providing insights into the complexity of ancient forests.
The discovery suggests the existence of a significant understory in coal-age forests, predating previous expectations by 15-20 million years.
Researchers highlight the importance of these findings in understanding the evolution of forest ecosystems and plant biodiversity.