Publication Date:
2018
Description:
〈div data-abstract-type="normal"〉〈p〉The feature distinguishing typical angiosperms from gymnosperms is that their ovules are enclosed before pollination. Bennettitales were formerly related to angiosperms because of the flower-like organisation of the former's reproductive organs. There is little information on how the naked ovules of Bennettitales became enclosed in angiosperms because fossil evidence for such a transition, if it exists, has not been described. Here, we report a reproductive organ, 〈span〉Zhangwuia〈/span〉 gen. nov., from the Middle Jurassic of Inner Mongolia, China. Like many Bennettitales, the arrangement of the foliar parts around the female part in 〈span〉Zhangwuia〈/span〉 demonstrates a resemblance to typical angiosperm flowers. It is noteworthy that the ovule is secluded from the exterior space in 〈span〉Zhangwuia〈/span〉, therefore implying the existence of angio-ovuly. Although Bennettitales have been related to angiosperms for more than a hundred years, their way of ovule-enclosing was not previously revealed. The discovery of 〈span〉Zhangwuia〈/span〉 prompts a rethinking of the relationship between Bennettitales and angiosperms, as well as of the origin of angiosperms.〈/p〉〈/div〉
Print ISSN:
1755-6910
Electronic ISSN:
1755-6929
Topics:
Geosciences
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