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Specimen: Metasequoia Conifer Cone
Age: Hell Creek Formation, Upper Cretaceous
Location: South Dakota, USA
Metasequoia, commonly known as dawn redwood, is a genus of coniferous trees that traces its lineage back to the Mesozoic Era. Fossilized cones of Metasequoia found in the Hell Creek Formation of South Dakota, USA, provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient flora that flourished during the Upper Cretaceous period, approximately 66 to 100 million years ago.
The Hell Creek Formation, known for its rich fossil record, preserves a snapshot of the diverse ecosystems that existed in North America during the Late Cretaceous. Metasequoia cones from this formation offer valuable insights into the prehistoric environments, contributing to our understanding of plant evolution and the dynamics of ancient ecosystems.
The fossilized Metasequoia cones showcase the distinctive features of this coniferous genus. Metasequoia cones are composed of spirally arranged scales, each bearing two winged seeds. The cone structure and seed morphology are important for the identification of the species and provide information about the reproductive strategies and ecology of these ancient trees.
During the Upper Cretaceous, Metasequoia likely inhabited regions with a temperate climate, and their fossils in the Hell Creek Formation suggest the presence of lush forests. The discovery of these fossils helps scientists reconstruct the paleoenvironment and understand the distribution of plant species during this period.
The Hell Creek Formation is renowned for its dinosaur fossils, and the presence of plant fossils, including Metasequoia cones, allows researchers to reconstruct complex ecosystems with both flora and fauna. The coexistence of diverse plant and animal life provides a holistic view of the ancient landscapes that characterized the Late Cretaceous.
The fossilized Metasequoia cones from the Hell Creek Formation not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also capture the imagination of fossil enthusiasts and collectors. The intricate details preserved in these fossils, such as the arrangement of scales and the overall structure of the cones, make them aesthetically appealing and serve as tangible connections to the ancient world of towering coniferous trees that once dominated the landscapes of Cretaceous North America.
ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.