PALEOBOTANY: HISTORY, WHAT IT STUDIES, METHODS, TECHNIQUES - BIOLOGY - 2024

The paleobotánica is a branch of natural science that is responsible for studying plant remains that existed in past eras. It is a discipline shared between paleontology and botany; Its importance lies fundamentally in the analysis and understanding of ecosystems and the climate of the geological past of planet Earth.

This science studies plant fossils at the macroscopic and microscopic level. The macro level focuses on leaves and stems, while the micro, analyzes elements such as pollen and spores.

Fossilized leaf of Sagenopteris phillipsi. By Abbieeturner

History

Johann Jakob Scheuchzer, Swiss naturalist. By Schabblatt aus der Physica Sacra (Band I 1731) Paleobotany evolves hand in hand with geology and paleontology, being closely related to these two branches of biological sciences. With the advancement of technology in the Western world, new instruments, tools, and methods helped this discipline to differentiate itself.

During the 18th century, more precisely during the first years of the 1700s, there were already publications that spoke of the importance and study of plant fossils, stones and sediments.

According to experts, it was the book Herbarium Diluvianum, by the Swiss naturalist Johann Jakob Scheuchzer, which accumulated the greatest amount of information and the one with the largest dissemination at that time.

Scheuchzer's work consisted of a compilation of detailed and exhaustive information on European vegetation. The results of his research in countries such as Germany, England, and Switzerland, included graphs of fossilized plants found in these regions.

XIX century

As the nineteenth century entered, interest in plant fossilization and geology grew as other modern studies were structured. But it was not until the first decade of this era that paleobotany officially acquired its name and began to be taken seriously.

This happened thanks to the studies and publications made by Johan Steinhauer in 1818, who was the first scientist to assign his discoveries, classifications and nomenclatures. This marked a before and after, as it raised the status of the study of fossil plants to a true science in itself.

In the same sense, the work done by Ernst von Schlotheim, who was also a pioneer in binominal nomenclatures, contributed to the evolution of this study, only in 1820.

Golden age

Later, during the 1930s, what is known as "the golden age" of paleobotany would emerge. With the explosion of the industrial revolution, technical advances and new social classes with an interest in science and higher studies would appear.

It is at this time when thousands of studies in this discipline emerge, accompanied by the almost massive production of illustrations and, with them, the profession of illustrator in natural sciences appears.

Barely ten years later, the geologist who undoubtedly made the greatest contribution to paleobotany appeared on the scene: Scotsman Hugh Miller. This remarkable scientist stood out not only for having a huge collection of fossilized plants, rocks and animals collected by himself, but also for being a prolific author.

The son of a family of maritime merchants and ship captains, Miller was an avid reader and illustrator who knew how to combine his ability as a novelist with his gifts as a scientific researcher.

Methods and techniques

Hydrophytic plant seen under a microscope. By Iceclanl - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Most of the fossils (including animals), are usually buried in sand or different types of sediments. This can occur on mountain slopes, on the banks of rivers or in desert areas, among others.

It is not only essential during the process of studying the fossils that their collection does not damage the piece, but also that it can be preserved so that its subsequent study does not yield confusing or erroneous results. Fossil pieces that are not properly treated can be destroyed or lose valuable information.

That is why when finding evidence of fossil organic material, paleobotanical scientists must immediately preserve the piece found so that it can then be studied successfully.

At present, and thanks to scientific advances in geology and paleontology, we can say that there are at least six main techniques for analyzing fossils.

Thin earth section

The specimen to study is cut into small parts. The surface of one of these fragments is polished using a cleaning chemical. The cut section is glued over with molten resin on a glass, then the excess material is removed. The glass with the adhered biological material is ready to be observed under the microscope.

Peeling technique

The first step in this technique is to etch the surface of the fossil using mineral acids, prior to an “aging” process that can last a few weeks.

The next and final step is to wash the surface with water, dry it and cover it with nitrocellulose. This film will dry and can be peeled off (or peeled) for study.

Transfer technique

This technique is used mostly for fossils found in rocks or hard materials. A peeling liquid is poured on the material and, once dry, the part of the rock that is attached to the organism is removed.

Mashing technique

This method implies that the fossil material remains submerged for a week in a special aqueous solution. After this period of time, the object is cleaned with water to remove any type of acid that could damage its structure, and it is ready to be studied.

X-ray technique

Under this method and as its name indicates, the fossil to be analyzed is subjected to impressions similar to X-rays. This is achieved using X-ray machines that provide valuable information on the constitution of the piece.

Microtomy technique

This technique is used especially in fabrics that have undergone the maceration process. Once this is done, these sections of material are embedded in a special wax that, when hardened, are cut into thin "slices" by a microtome.

This is a special machine designed exclusively for cutting all kinds of materials, in order to be studied by scientists under the microscope.

References

1. Biology Discussion. (sf). Palaeobotany: Concept, Technique and Important Strata Botany. Recovered from biologydiscussion.com
2. Biology Discussion. (sf). Studying Fossils in Laboratory, Palaeobotany. Recovered from biologydiscussion.com
3. González-Akre, E. (sf). Paleobotany: Plants of the Geological Past. (PDF).
4. Vergel, M., Durango de Cabrera, J., & Herbst, R. (2008). Brief history of paleobotany and palynology in northwestern Argentina. (PDF).
5. Chesnutt, B. (nd). What is Paleobotany? - Definition & Importance. Recovered from study.com