Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The identification of fossil angiosperm pollen and its bearing on the time and place of the origin of angiosperms

  • Published:
Plant Systematics and Evolution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Studies in the 1970's reporting the occurrence of fossil pollen types in the Cretaceous, coupled with surveys of extant pollen morphology of primitive flowering plants, laid the foundation for proposing a Lower Cretaceous origin of angiosperms. Over the last 30 years, morphological, ultrastructural, and ontogenetic studies of both extant and fossil pollen have provided an array of new characters, as well as greater resolution in defining character polarities. Moreover, a range of fossil pollen types exhibiting angiosperm characters occur in low frequency within Triassic and Jurassic sediments. The pollen data provide evidence of a pre-Cretaceous origin of angiosperms. Speciation and extinction rates were likely equal during the Triassic and Jurassic, resulting in the paucity of angiosperm pollen types from different geographic areas in the Atlantic – South American/African rift zone. It was not until the Lower Cretaceous that origination rates exceed extinction rates, resulting in the subsequent diversification of angiosperms and the origin of the eudicots.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • K. L. Alvin (1982) ArticleTitleCheirolepidiaceae: biology, structure and palaeoecology Rev. Paleobot. Palynol. 37 71–98

    Google Scholar 

  • APG (1998) An ordinal classification for the families of flowering plants. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 85: 531–553.

    Google Scholar 

  • W. S. Armbruster (1997) ArticleTitleExaptations link evolution of plant-herbivore and plant-pollinator interactions: a phylogenetic inquiry Ecology 78 1661–1672

    Google Scholar 

  • K. Asama (1974) Origin of angiosperms inferred from the evolution of leaf forms R. N. Lakhanpal (Eds) Symposium on origin and phytogeography of angiosperms Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany Lucknow, India 1–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Asama K. (1988) The origin of the angiosperms. Ocean Press, Beijing (in Chinese). Translated from Asama K. (1975) The origin of angiosperms. Sanseido, Tokyo (in Japanese).

  • D. I. Axelrod (1952) ArticleTitleA theory of angiosperm evolution Evolution 6 29–60

    Google Scholar 

  • D. I. Axelrod (1961) ArticleTitleHow old are the angiosperms? Amer. J. Science 259 447–459 Occurrence Handle10.2475/ajs.259.6.447

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • I. W. Bailey (1944) ArticleTitleThe development of vessels in angiosperms and its significance in morphological research Amer. J. Bot. 31 421–428

    Google Scholar 

  • I. W. Bailey B. G. L. Swamy (1948) ArticleTitleAmborella trichopoda Baill., a new morphological type of vesselless dicotyledon J. Arnold Arboretum 23 356–365

    Google Scholar 

  • P. M. Barrett K. J. Willis (2001) ArticleTitleDid dinosaurs invent flowers? Dinosaur-angiosperm coevolution revisited Biol. Rev. 76 411–447 Occurrence Handle11569792 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MritFClsQ%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barss M. S., Williams G. L. (1973) Palynology and nannofossil processing techniques. Geol. Survey Canada, Paper 73–26, 25 pages.

  • J. F. Basinger D. L. Dilcher (1984) ArticleTitleAncient bisexual flowers Science 224 511–513 Occurrence Handle17753776 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BC3cvisVOqsw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Bedinger (1992) ArticleTitleThe remarkable biology of pollen The Pl. Cell 4 879–887 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK3s%2FgsFOgsg%3D%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C. D. Bell D. E. Soltis P. S. Soltis (2005) ArticleTitleThe age of the angiosperms: A molecular timescale without a clock Evolution 59 1245–1258 Occurrence Handle16050101 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXmsV2ks7o%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Bernhardt T. Sage P. Weston H. Azuma M. Lam L. B. Thien J. Bruhl (2003) ArticleTitleThe pollination of Trimenia moorei (Trimeniaceae): Floral volatiles, insect/wind pollen vectors and stigmatic self-incompatibility in a basal angiosperm Annals Bot. 92 445–458

    Google Scholar 

  • C. E. Bessey (1897) ArticleTitlePhylogeny and taxonomy of the angiosperms Bot. Gaz. 24 145–178

    Google Scholar 

  • C. E. Bessey (1915) ArticleTitleThe phylogenetic taxonomy of flowering plants Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 2 109–164

    Google Scholar 

  • L. M. Bowe G. Coat C. W. dePamphilis (2000) ArticleTitlePhylogeny of seed plants based on all three genomic compartments: Extant gymnosperms are monophyletic and Gnetales' closest relatives are conifers PNAS 97 4092–4097 Occurrence Handle10760278 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXislSgtb8%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brenner G. J. (1963) The spores and pollen of the Potomac Group of Maryland. Maryland Department of Geology, Mines and Water Resources Bulletin 27.

  • G. L. Brenner (1976) Middle Cretaceous floral provinces and early migrations of angiosperms C. B. Beck (Eds) Origin and early evolution of angiosperms Columbia University Press New York 23–47

    Google Scholar 

  • G. L. Brenner (1992) ArticleTitlePalynology and age of the Lower Cretaceous basal Kurnub Group from the Coastal Plain to the northern Negev of Israel Palynology 16 137–185

    Google Scholar 

  • G. J. Brenner (1996) Evidence for the earliest stage of angiosperm pollen evolution: A paleoequatorial section from Israel D. W. Taylor L. J. Hickey (Eds) Flowering Plant Origin, Evolution and Phylogeny Chapman and Hall New York 91–115

    Google Scholar 

  • R. W. Brown (1956) ArticleTitlePalmlike plants from the Dolores Formation (Triassic in southwestern Colorado) U. S. Geological Surv. Prof. Paper 274-H 205–209

    Google Scholar 

  • W. C. Burger (1977) ArticleTitleThe Piperales and the monocots. Alternate hypothesis for the origin of monocotyledonous flowers Bot. Review 43 345–393

    Google Scholar 

  • W. C. Burger (1981) ArticleTitleHeresy revived: the monocot theory of angiosperm origin Evol. Theory 5 189–225

    Google Scholar 

  • J. E. Canright (1963) ArticleTitleContributions of pollen morphology to the phylogeny of some ranalean families Grana Palynol. 4 64–72 Occurrence Handle10.1080/00173136309437859

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E. L. Charnov (1982) The Theory of Sex Allocation Princeton University Press Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • T. Castells J. A. Seoane-Camba M. Suarez-Cervera (2003) ArticleTitleIntine wall modification during germination of Zygophyllum fabago (Zygophyllaceae) pollen grains Canad. J. Bot. 81 1267–1277

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Chittka J. D. Thomason N. M. Waser (1999) ArticleTitleFlower constancy, insect psychology, and plant evolution Die Naturwissenschaften 86 361–377 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXlt1Sqt7g%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • B. Cornet (1986) ArticleTitleThe leaf venation and reproductive structures of a Late Triassic angiosperm, Sanmiguelia lewisii Evol. Theory 7 15–23

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Cornet (1989) ArticleTitleLate Triassic angiosperm-like pollen from the Richmond Rift Basin of Virginia U. S. A Paleontographica B 213 37–87

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Cornet D. Habib (1992) ArticleTitleAngiosperm-like pollen from the ammonite-dated Oxfordian (Upper Jurassic) of France Rev. Paleobot. Palynol. 71 269–294

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Courtinat (1980) ArticleTitleStructure d'adherence des grains de pollen en tetrade du genre Classopollis Pflug, 1953, de l'Hettiangien de Saint-Fromont Manche (France) Geobios 13 209–229

    Google Scholar 

  • P. R. Crane (1985) ArticleTitlePhylogenetic analysis of seed plants and the origin of angiosperms Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 72 716–793

    Google Scholar 

  • P. R. Crane E. M. Friis K. R. Pedersen (1995) ArticleTitleThe origin and early diversification of angiosperms Nature 374 27–33 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXktFCrtr4%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • W. L. Crepet (1979) ArticleTitleInsect pollination: A paleontological perspective BioScience 29 102–108

    Google Scholar 

  • W. L. Crepet K. C. Nixon M. A. Gandolfo (2004) ArticleTitleFossil evidence and phylogeny: the age of major angiosperm clades based on mesofossil and macrofossil evidence from Cretaceous deposits Amer. J. Bot. 91 1666–1682

    Google Scholar 

  • Darwin C. (1879) More letters of Charles Darwin vol. 2. John Murray, London, ed. by Darwin F. (1905).

  • C. P. Daghlian (1984) ArticleTitleEpilobium pollen from Oligocene sediments in New Zealand New Zealand J. Botany 22 285–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Dilcher D. L. (2001a) Paleobotany: some aspects of non-flowering and flowering plant evolution. Taxon 50: 697–711.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dilcher D. L. (2001b) A new synthesis for angiosperm phylogeny. In: Proceedings of the Sino-Germany symposium on prehistory, life and geology of Junggar Basin, Xinjiang. Urumqi pp. 65–75.

  • M. J. Donoghue J. A. Doyle (1989) Phylogenetic studies of seed plants and angiosperms based on morphological characters B. Fernholm K. Bremer H. Jornwall (Eds) The hierarchy of life Excerpta Medica Amsterdam 181–193

    Google Scholar 

  • P. C. J. Donoghue (2005) ArticleTitleSaving the stem group – a contradiction in terms? Paleobiology 31 553–558

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle (1969) ArticleTitleCretaceous angiosperm pollen of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and its evolutionary significance J. Arnold Arbor. 50 1–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Doyle J. A. (1996) Seed plant phylogeny and the relationships of Gnetales. Int. J. Pl. Sci. (6 Suppl.): S3–S39.

  • Doyle J. A. (1998a) Phylogeny of vascular plants. Annual. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 29: 567–599.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doyle J. A. (1998b) Molecules, morphology, fossils, and the relationship of angiosperms and Gnetales. Molec. Phylogenet. Evol. 9: 448–462.

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle (2000) ArticleTitlePaleobotany, relationships, and geographic history of Winteraceae Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 87 303–316

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle M. J. Donoghue (1993) ArticleTitlePhylogenies and angiosperm diversification Paleobiology 19 141–167

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle P. K. Endress (2000) ArticleTitleMorphological phylogenetic analysis of basal angiosperms: comparison and combination with molecular data Int. J. Pl. Sci. 161 IssueID6 Suppl. S121–S153 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXos1Oqs70%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle L. J. Hickey (1976) Pollen and leaves from the mid-Cretaceous Potomac Group and their bearing on early angiosperm evolution C. B. Beck (Eds) Orgin and early evolution of angiosperms Columbia University Press New York 139–206

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle E. I. Robbins (1977) ArticleTitleAngiosperm zonation of the continental Cretaceous of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and its application to deep wells in the Salisbury Embayment Palynology 1 43–78

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle M. J. Donoghue E. A. Zimmer (1994) ArticleTitleIntegration of morphological and ribosomal RNA data on the origin of angiosperms Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 81 419–450

    Google Scholar 

  • J. A. Doyle M. Campo ParticleVan B. Lugardon (1975) ArticleTitleObservation on the exine structure Eucommiidites and Lower Cretaceous angiosperm pollen Pollen et Spores 17 429–486

    Google Scholar 

  • Edwards L. E., Geux J. (1996) Analytical biostratigraphy and correlation. In: Jansonius J., McGregor D. C. (eds.) Palynology, principles and applications, AASP Foundation, Vol. 3. pp. 985–1009.

  • H. Eklund E. M. Friis K. R. Pedersen (1997) ArticleTitleChloranthaceous floral structures from the Late Cretaceous of Sweden Pl. Syst. Evol. 207 13–42

    Google Scholar 

  • G. El-Ghazaly S. Huysmans (2001) ArticleTitleRe-evaluation of a neglected layer in pollen wall development with comments on its evolution Grana 40 3–16

    Google Scholar 

  • P. K. Endress (2001) ArticleTitleThe flowers in extant basal angiosperms and inferences on ancestral flowers Int. J. Pl. Sci. 162 1111–1140

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdtman G. (1952) Pollen morphology and plant taxonomy. Angiosperms. (An introduction to palynology I). Stockholm.

  • G. Erdtman (1963) Palynology R. D. Preston (Eds) Recent advances in botanical research, Vol. 1 Academic Press New York 149–208

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Erdtman (1969) Handbook of palynology. An introduction to the study of pollen grains and spores Hafner Publishing. Co. Munksgaard, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Google Scholar 

  • M. D. Eubanks J. D. Styrsky R. F. Denno (2003) ArticleTitleThe evolution of omnivory in heteropteran insects Ecology 84 2549–2556

    Google Scholar 

  • Faegri K., Iversen J. (1950) Textbook of pollen analysis. Munksgaard, Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • T. S. Field N. C. Arens J. A. Doyle T. E. Dawson M. J. Donoghue (2004) ArticleTitleDark and disturbed: a new image of early angiosperm ecology Paleobiology 30 82–107

    Google Scholar 

  • W. E. Friedman S. K. Floyd (2001) ArticleTitleThe origin of flowering plants and their reproductive biology- a tale of two phylogenies Evolution 55 217–231 Occurrence Handle11308081 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MvlvFKlsg%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Friis E. M., Pedersen K. R. (1996) Angiosperm pollen in situ in Cretaceous reproductive organs, In: Jansonius J., McGregor D. C. (eds.) Palynology, Principles and applications, AASP Foundation, Vol. 1. pp. 409–426.

  • E. M. Friis P. R. Crane K. R. Pedersen (1997) ArticleTitleAnacostia, a new basal angiosperm from the Early Cretaceous of North America and Portugal with trichotomocolpate/monocolpate pollen Grana 36 225–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Friis E. M., Pedersen K. R., Crane P. R. (1994a) Angiosperm floral structures from the Early Cretaceous of Portugal. Pl. Syst. Evol. (Suppl.) 8: 31–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • E. M. Friis K. R. Pedersen P. R. Crane (1995) ArticleTitleAppomattoxia ancistrophora Gen. et Sp. Nov., a new Early Cretaceous plant with similarities to Circaeaster and extant Magnoliidae Amer. J. Bot. 82 933–943

    Google Scholar 

  • E. M. Friis K. R. Pedersen P. R. Crane (1999) ArticleTitleEarly angiosperm diversification: the diversity of pollen associated with angiosperm reproductive structures in Early Cretaceous floras from Portugal Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 86 259–296

    Google Scholar 

  • Friis E. M., Pedersen K. R., Crane P. R. (2000a) Fossil floral structure of a basal angiosperm with monocolpate, reticulate-acolumellate pollen from the Early Cretaceous of Portugal. Grana 39: 226–239.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friis E. M., Pedersen K. R., Crane P. R. (2000b) Reproductive structure and organization of basal angiosperms from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian or Aptian) of western Portugal. Int. J. Pl. Sci. 16(16 Suppl.): S169–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • E. M. Friis K. R. Pedersen P. R. Crane (2001) ArticleTitleFossil evidence of water lilies (Nymphaeales) in the Early Cretaceous Nature 410 357–360 Occurrence Handle11268209 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M7mvVaquw%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • E. M. Friis H. Eklund K. R. Pedersen P. R. Crane (1994b) ArticleTitleVirginianthus calycanthoides Gen. et Sp. Nov. – A calycanthaceous flower from the Potomac Group (Early Cretaceous) of eastern North America Int. J. Pl. Sci. 155 772–785

    Google Scholar 

  • N. I. Gabarayeva (1991) Patterns of development in primitive angiosperm pollen S. Blackmore S. H. Barnes (Eds) Pollen and spores. patterns of diversification, Systematics Association Special Vol. 44 Clarendon Press Oxford 257–268

    Google Scholar 

  • M. A. Gandolfo K. C. Nixon W. L. Crepet D. W. Stevenson E. M. Friis (1998) ArticleTitleOldest known fossils of monocotyledons Nature 394 532–533 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXltlyisbs%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • L. George (1931) ArticleTitleLes Rapports des Gnetales avec les dicotyledons et gymnospermes C. R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 193 1451–1453

    Google Scholar 

  • U. Heimhofer P. A. Hochuli S. Burla J. M. L. Dinis H. Weissert (2005) ArticleTitleTiming of Early Cretaceous angiosperm diversification and possible links to major paleoenvironmental change Geology 33 141–144

    Google Scholar 

  • W. Hennig (1981) Insect phylogeny Wiley New York

    Google Scholar 

  • G. F. W. Herngreen A. F. Chlonova (1981) ArticleTitleCretaceous microfloral provinces Pollen et Spores 23 441–555

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Heslop-Harrison (1968) ArticleTitlePollen wall development Science 161 230–237 Occurrence Handle5657325 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaF1c3oslekug%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Heslop-Harrison Y. Heslop-Harrison (1991) Structural and functional variation in pollen intines S. Blackmore S. H. Barnes (Eds) Pollen and spores. Patterns of diversification, Systematics Association Special Vol. 44 Clarendon Press Oxford 331–343

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Hesse (1986) Nature, form and function of pollen connecting threads in angiosperms S. Blackmore I. K. Ferguson (Eds) Pollen and spores: Form and function, Linnean Society Symposium Series 12 Academic Press London 109–118

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Hesse S. Vogel H. Halbritter (2000) ArticleTitleThread-forming structures in angiosperm anthers: their diverse role in pollination ecology Pl. Syst. Evol. 222 281–292

    Google Scholar 

  • L. J. Hickey J. A. Doyle (1977) ArticleTitleEarly Cretaceous fossil evidence for angiosperm evolution Bot. Review 43 3–104

    Google Scholar 

  • L. J. Hickey J. A. Wolfe (1975) ArticleTitleThe bases of angiosperm phylogeny: Vegetative morphology Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 62 538–589

    Google Scholar 

  • K. W. Hilu T. Borsch K. Muller D. E. Soltis P. S. Soltis V. Savolainen M. W. Chase M. P. Powell L. A. Alice R. Evans H. Sauquet C. Neinhuis T. A. B. Slotta J. G. Rohwer C. S. Campbell L. W. Chatrou (2003) ArticleTitleAngiosperm phylogeny based on matK sequence information Amer. J. Bot. 90 1758–1776 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhtVekt7o%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • P. A. Hochuli S Feist-Burkhardt (2004) ArticleTitleA boreal early cradle of Angiosperms? Angiosperm-like pollen from the Middle Triassic of the Barents Sea (Norway) J. Micropaleontology 23 97–104

    Google Scholar 

  • N. F. Hughes (1994) The enigma of angiosperm origins. Cambridge Palaeobiology Series 1 Cambridge University Press Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • N. F. Hughes G. E. Drewry J. F. Laing (1979) ArticleTitleBarremian earliest angiosperm pollen Palaeontology 22 513–535

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwatsuki K., Raven P. H. (eds.). (1997) Evolution and diversification of land plants. Springer Tokyo.

  • J. Jaenike (1990) ArticleTitleHost specialization in phytophagous insects Annual. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 21 243–273

    Google Scholar 

  • P. Jolivet (1998) Interrelationships between insects and plants CRC Press New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Just T. (1948) Gymnosperms and the origin of angiosperms. Bot. Gaz. 91–103.

  • C. A. Kearns (1992) ArticleTitleAnthophilous fly distribution across an elevation gradient Amer. Midl. Naturalist 127 172–182

    Google Scholar 

  • C. A. Kearns D. W. Inouye (1994) ArticleTitleFly pollination of Linum lewisii (Linaceae) Amer. J. Bot. 81 1091–1095

    Google Scholar 

  • Kedves M. (1994) Transmission electron microscopy of fossil gymnosperm exines. Szeged, 67–78.

  • P. Kenrick (1999) ArticleTitleThe family tree flowers Nature 402 358–359 Occurrence Handle10586867 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXnvVyks78%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S. D. Klavins D. W. Kellogg M. Krings E. L. Taylor T. N. Taylor (2005) ArticleTitleCoprolites in a Middle Triassic cycad pollen cone: evidence for insect pollination of cycads? Evol. Ecol. Res. 7 479–488

    Google Scholar 

  • V. A. Krassilov (1977) ArticleTitleThe origin of angiosperms Bot. Review 43 143–176

    Google Scholar 

  • V. A. Krassilov A. P. Rasnitsyn (1997) ArticleTitlePollen in the guts of Permian insects: first evidence of pollinivory and its evolutionary significance Lethaia 29 369–372

    Google Scholar 

  • Krassilov V. A., Rasnitsyn A. P. (1998) Plant remains from the guts of fossil insects: evolutionary and palaeoecological inferences. Proceedings of the First International Palaeoentomological Conference, Moscow, (1998) AMBA Projects AM/PFICM-98/1.99: 65–72.

  • V. A. Krassilov A. P. Rasnitsyn S. A. Afonin (1999) ArticleTitlePollen morphotypes from the intestine of a Permian booklouse Rev. Paleobot. Palynol. 106 89–96

    Google Scholar 

  • V. A. Krassilov M. Tekleva N. Meyer-Melikyan A. P. Rasnitsyn (2003) ArticleTitleNew pollen morphotype from the gut compression of a Cretaceous insect, and its bearing on palynomorphological evolution and paleoecology Cretaceous Research 24 149–156

    Google Scholar 

  • V. A. Krassilov V. V. Zherikhin A. P. Rasnitsyn (1997) ArticleTitleClassopollis in the guts of Jurassic insects Palaeontology 40 1095–1101

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Kress D. E. Stone (1982) ArticleTitleNature of the sporoderm in monocotyledons, with special reference to the pollen grains of Canna and Heliconia Grana 21 129–148

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Kress D. E. Stone S. C. Sellers (1978) ArticleTitleUltrastructure of exine-less pollen: Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) Amer. J. Bot. 65 1064–1076

    Google Scholar 

  • M. H. Kurmann (1989) ArticleTitlePollen wall formation in Abies concolor and a discussion on wall layer homologies Canad. J. Bot. 67 2489–2504

    Google Scholar 

  • M. H. Kurmann (1992) ArticleTitleExine stratification in extant gymnosperms: a review of published transmission electron micrographs Kew Bull. 47 25–39

    Google Scholar 

  • M. H. Kurmann J. A. Doyle (Eds) (1994) Ultrastructure of fossil spores and pollen. Its bearing on relationships among fossil and living groups Royal Botanic Garden Kew

    Google Scholar 

  • C. C. Labandeira (1997) ArticleTitleInsect mouthparts: Ascertaining the paleobiology of insect feeding strategies Annual. Rev. Ecology Syst. 28 153–193

    Google Scholar 

  • C. C. Labandeira (1998) ArticleTitleHow old is the flower and the fly? Science 280 57–59 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXitlWlu7w%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • C. C. Labandeira D. L. Dilcher D. R. Davis D. L. Wagner (1994) ArticleTitleNinety-seven million years of angiosperm-insect association insights into the meaning of coevolution Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91 12278–12282 Occurrence Handle11607501 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXisF2jsLk%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • J.-F. LeRoy (1993) Origine et évolution des plantes à fleurs Masson Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Lupia (1999) ArticleTitleDiscordant morphological disparity and taxonomic diversity during the Cretaceous angiosperm radiation: North American pollen record Paleobiology 25 1–28

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Lupia S. Lidgard P. R. Crane (1999) ArticleTitleComparing palynological abundance and diversity: implications for biotic replacement during the Cretaceous angiosperm radiation Paleobiology 25 305–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Y.-B. Luo Z.-Y. Li (1999) ArticleTitlePollination ecology of Chloranthus serratus (Thunb.) Toen. et Schult., C. fortunei (A. Gray) Solms-Laub. (Chloranthaceae) Annals Bot. 83 489–499

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Magallon M. J. Sanderson (2001) ArticleTitleAbsolute diversification rates in angiosperm clades Evolution 55 1762–1780 Occurrence Handle11681732 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MrnsVWlsA%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • S. Magallon P. R. Crane P. S. Herendeen (1999) ArticleTitlePhylogenetic pattern, diversity, and diversification of Eudicots Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 86 297–372

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Mathews M. J. Donoghue (1999) ArticleTitleThe root of angiosperm phylogeny inferred from duplicate phytochrome genes Science 286 947–950 Occurrence Handle10542147 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXntFaktbg%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. D. J. Meeuse (1970) ArticleTitleThe descent of the flowering plants in the light of new evidence from photochemistry and from other sources Acta Bot. Neerl. 19: 61–72 133–140

    Google Scholar 

  • B. A. R. Mohr E. M. Friis (2000) ArticleTitleEarly angiosperms from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation (Brazil), A preliminary report Int. J. Pl. Sci. 161 IssueID6 Suppl. S155–S167

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Muller (1981) ArticleTitleFossil pollen records of extant angiosperms Bot. Review 47 1–142

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Muller (1984) ArticleTitleSignificance of fossil pollen for angiosperm history Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 71 419–443

    Google Scholar 

  • K. J. Niklas (1985) ArticleTitleThe aerodynamics of wind pollination Bot. Review 51 328–386

    Google Scholar 

  • K. J. Niklas (1988) ArticleTitleEquations for the motion of airborne pollen near ovulate organs of wind pollinated plants Amer. J. Bot. 75 433–444

    Google Scholar 

  • K. J. Niklas (1992) Plant biomechanics: An engineering approach to plant form and function University of Chicago Press Chicago

    Google Scholar 

  • J. M. Pettit W. G. Chaloner (1964) ArticleTitleThe ultrastructure of the Mesozoic pollen Classopollis Pollen et Spores 6 611–620

    Google Scholar 

  • S. A. J. Pocock G. Vasanthy (1988) ArticleTitleCornetipollis reticulata, a new pollen with angiospermid features from the Upper Triassic (Carnian) sediments of Arizona (U.S.A.) with notes on Equisetisporites Rev. Paleobot. Palynol. 55 337–356

    Google Scholar 

  • Y.-L. Qiu J. Lees F. Bernasconi-Quadroni D. E. Soltis P. S. Soltis M. Zanis E. A. Zimmer Z. Chen V. Savoainen M. W. Chase (1999) ArticleTitleThe earliest angiosperms: evidence from mitochondrial, plastid and nuclear genomes Nature 402 404–407 Occurrence Handle10586879 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c%2Flt1WlsA%3D%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • A. P. Rasnitsyn (1980) ArticleTitleThe origins and evolution of Hymenoptera Trans. Palaeontol. Inst., USSR Academy of Sciences 174 1–192

    Google Scholar 

  • A. P. Rasnitsyn V. A. Krassilov (1996) ArticleTitleFirst find of pollen grains in the gut of Permian insects Palaeontological Journal (Moscow) 30 484–490

    Google Scholar 

  • D. Ren (1998) ArticleTitleFlower associated Brachycera flies as fossil evidence for Jurassic angiosperm origins Science 280 85–88 Occurrence Handle9525862 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXitlWks7k%3D

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Retallack G. J., Dilcher D. L. (1981a) A coastal hypothesis for the dispersal and rise to dominance of flowering plants. In: Niklas K. J. (ed.) Evolution, Palaeoecology, and the Fossil record, Vol. 2, New York, pp. 27–77.

  • Retallack G. J., Dilcher D. L. (1981b) Arguments for a glossopterid ancestry of angiosperms. Paleobiology 7: 54–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • B. Rohdendorf (1974) The historical development of Diptera The University of Alberta Press Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • G. W. Rothwell R. Serbet (1994) ArticleTitleLignophyte phylogeny and the evolution of spermatophytes: A numerical cladistic analysis Syst. Bot. 19 443–482

    Google Scholar 

  • H. Roulston T' al J. H. Cand S. L. Buchmann (2000) ArticleTitleWhat governs protein content of pollen: Pollinator preferences, pollen-pistil interactions, or phylogeny? Ecological Monographs 70 617–643

    Google Scholar 

  • F. B. Sampson (2000) ArticleTitlePollen diversity in some modern magnoliids Int. J. Pl. Sci. 161 193–210

    Google Scholar 

  • V. A. Samylina (1968) ArticleTitleEarly angiosperms within the territory of the Soviet Union (on the basis of the investigation of leaves and fruits) Bot. Zhurn. 53 1517–1530

    Google Scholar 

  • M. J. Sanderson J. A. Doyle (2001) ArticleTitleSources of error and confidence intervals in estimating the age of angiosperms from rbcL and 18S rDNA data Amer. J. Bot. 88 1499–1516 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXmsVyhtbg%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • B. W. Scheuring (1976) ArticleTitleProximal exine filaments, a widespread feature among Triassic Protosaccites and Circumpolles to secure the dispersal of entire tetrads Pollen et Spores 18 611–639

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Schuster (1976) Plate tectonics and its bearing on the geographic origin and dispersal of angiosperms C. B. Beck (Eds) Origin and early evolution of angiosperms Columbia University Press New York 48–138

    Google Scholar 

  • H. J. Sims K. J. McConway (2003) ArticleTitleNonstochastic variation of species-level diversification rates within angiosperms Evolution 57 460–479 Occurrence Handle12703936

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • J. J. Skvarla P. H. Raven W. F. Chissoe M. Sharp (1978) ArticleTitleAn ultrastructural study of viscin threads in Onagraceae Pollen et Spores 20 5–144

    Google Scholar 

  • D. E. Soltis P. S. Soltis D. L. Nickrent L. A. Johnson W. J. Hahn S. B. Hoot J. A. Sweere R. K. Kuzoff K. A. Kron M. W. Chase S. M. Swensen E. A. Zimmer S. M. Chaw L. J. Gillespie W. J. Kress K. J. Sytsma (1997) ArticleTitleAngiosperm phylogeny inferred from 18S ribosomal DNA sequences Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 84 1–49

    Google Scholar 

  • A. G. Stephenson R. I. Bertin (1983) Male competition, female choice, and sexual selection in plants L. Real (Eds) Pollination Biology Academic Press Orlando 110–140

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Sun D. L. Dilcher S. Zheng Z. Zhou (1998) ArticleTitleIn search of the first flower: A Jurassic angiosperm, Archaefructus, from Northeast China Science 27 1692–1695

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Sun D. L. Dilcher Y. D. Wang S. W. Wei (2001) Early angiosperms and their associated plants from Western Liaoning, China Shanghai Scientific and Technological Education Publishing House China

    Google Scholar 

  • Takhtajan A. (1969) Flowering plants: Origin and elispersal. Trans. from the Russian by C. Jeffrey, Kew, Oliver and Boyd. Edinburgh.

  • D. W. Taylor L. J. Hickey (1992) ArticleTitlePhylogenetic evidence for the herbaceous origin of angiosperms Pl. Syst. Evol. 180 137–156

    Google Scholar 

  • D. W. Taylor G. Kirchner (1996) The origin and evolution of the angiosperm carpel D. W. Taylor L. J. Hickey (Eds) Flowering Plant Origin, Evolution and Phylogeny Chapman and Hall New York 116–140

    Google Scholar 

  • T. N. Taylor K. L. Alvin (1984) ArticleTitleUltrastructure and development of Mesozoic pollen: Classopollis Amer. J. Bot. 71 575–587

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor T. N., Zavada M. S. (1986) Developmental and functional aspects of fossil pollen. In: Blackmore S., Ferguson I. K. (eds.) Pollen and Spores, Form and Function, Linn. Soc. Symposium Series 12, London, pp. 165–178.

  • G. Thanikaimoni (1984) ArticleTitleOmniaperturate Euphorbiaceae pollen with striate spines Bull. Jard. Bot. Natl. Belg. 54 305–325

    Google Scholar 

  • N. Theis M. Lerdau (2003) ArticleTitleThe evolution of function in plant secondary metabolites Int. J. Pl. Sci. 164 S93–S102 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmt12is74%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • I. Till-Bottraud D. L. Venable I. Dajoz P.-H. Gouyon (1994) ArticleTitleSelection on pollen morphology: A game theory model Amer. Naturalist 144 395–411

    Google Scholar 

  • P. B. Tomlinson (2000) Structural features of saccate pollen types in relation to their functions M. M. Harley C. M. Morton S. Blackmore (Eds) Pollen and spores: Morphology and biology Royal Botanic Garden Kew 147–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Traverse A. (1955) Pollen analysis of the Brandon Lignite of Vermount. U. S. Bur. Mines Rep. Invest. 5151.

  • A. Traverse (1988) Paleopalynology Unwin Hyman Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Trevisan (1971) ArticleTitleDicheiropollis, a pollen type from the Lower Cretaceous sediments of southern Tuscany (Italy) Pollen et Spores 13 561–596

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Vasanthy B. Cornet S. A. J. Pocock (2004) ArticleTitleEvolution of proangiosperms during Late Triassic: pre-Cretaceous pollen trends towards mono- and dicotyledonous taxa diversification Geophytology 33 99–113

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Waha (1984) ArticleTitleUltrastructure and function of pollen connecting threads in Ericaceae and other angiosperm families Pl. Syst. Evol. 147 189–203

    Google Scholar 

  • J. W. Walker A. G. Walker (1984) ArticleTitleUltrastructure of Lower Cretaceous angiosperm pollen and the origin and early evolution of flowering plants Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 71 464–521

    Google Scholar 

  • D. R. Whitehead (1983) Wind pollination: Some ecological and evolutionary perspectives L. Real (Eds) Pollination biology Academic Press Orlando 97–108

    Google Scholar 

  • M. F. Wilson N. Burley (1983) Mate choice in plants Princeton University Press Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • S. L. Wing L. D. Boucher (1998) ArticleTitleEcological aspects of the Cretaceous flowering plant radiation Ann. Rev. Earth and Planetary Sciences 26 379–421 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXjsVSmtbw%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zavada M. (1984a) Angiosperm origins and evolution based on dispersed fossil pollen ultrastructure. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 71: 440–459.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavada M. (1984b) Pollen wall development of Austrobaileya maculata. Bot. Gaz. 145: 11–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavada M. (1984c) The relation between pollen exine sculpturing and self-incompatibility mechanisms. Pl. Syst. Evol. 147: 63–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavada M. S. (1990a) The ultrastructure of three monosulcate pollen grains from the Triassic Chinle Formation, western United States. Palynology 14: 41–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavada M. S. (1990b) A contribution to the pollen wall ultrastructure of orchid pollinia. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 77: 457–482.

    Google Scholar 

  • M. S. Zavada M. Mentis (1992) ArticleTitlePlant-animal interaction: the effect of Permian mega-herbivores on the glossopterid flora Amer. Midl. Naturalist 127 1–13

    Google Scholar 

  • M. S. Zavada (2004) ArticleTitleUltrastructure of Upper Paleozoic and Mesozoic monosulcate pollen from southern Africa and Asia Palaeontologia Africana 40 59–68

    Google Scholar 

  • M. S. Zavada G. J. Anderson (1997) ArticleTitleThe wall and aperture development of pollen from dioecious Solanum appendiculatum: What is inaperturate pollen? Grana 36 129–134

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Zavada T. N. Taylor (1986) ArticleTitleThe role of self-incompatibility and sexual selection in the gymnosperm-angiosperm transition: A hypothesis Amer. Naturalist 128 538–550

    Google Scholar 

  • N. E. Zavialova (2003) ArticleTitleOn the ultrastructure of Classopollis exine: A tetrad from the Jurassic of Siberia Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 42 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavialova N. E. (2005) Fine morphology of peculiar reticulate pollen from the Permian of Russia. XVII International Botanical Congress, Vienna, Austria, Abstracts, p. 385.

  • R. Zetter M. Hesse (1996) ArticleTitleThe morphology of pollen tetrads and viscin threads in some Tertiary, Rhododendron-like Ericaceae Grana 35 285–294 Occurrence Handle10.1080/00173139609429083

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R. Zetter C. Keri (1987) ArticleTitleNew details on the morphology of fossil onagraceous pollen grains Pl. Syst. Evol. 157 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • E. A. Zimmer R. K. Hamby M. L. Arnold D. A. Leblanc E. C. Theriot (1989) Ribosomal RNA phylogenies and flowering plant evolution B. Fernholm K. Bremer H. Jornwall (Eds) The hierarchy of life Excerpta Medica Amsterdam 205–214

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Box 70703, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA

    M. S. Zavada

Authors
  1. M. S. Zavada
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. S. Zavada.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zavada, M.S. The identification of fossil angiosperm pollen and its bearing on the time and place of the origin of angiosperms. Plant Syst. Evol. 263, 117–134 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-006-0495-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-006-0495-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation