Oldest flower fossil discovered
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.RESEARCHERS BELIEVE that they have discovered fossil evidence of the world's oldest flower -142 million years old.
The fossil of the spindly twig with peapod-shaped fruit and a woody stem is from an early evolutionary stage when plants were just developing the flowering system that later evolved into fruit, grain, brilliantly coloured and fragrant flowers and food for many animals, said David Dilcher, a University of Florida biology professor.
The fossil was found in a rock formation of limestone and volcanic ash layers in China, near Beipiao, about 250 miles northeast of Peking. The rock beds were once on the bottom of a lake that was periodically showered with volcanic ash, Professor Dilcher said.
Villagers digging in the fossil beds have unearthed dinosaurs, insects, birds and plants from millions of years ago, but this is the first time a flowering plant has been uncovered.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments