Agathistrees of Patagonia's Cretaceous‐Paleogene death landscapes and their evolutionary significance

• DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1127
• Publication Date: 2018-08-07T05:40:17Z
• Authors: Ignacio H. Escapa; Ari Iglesias; Peter Wilf; Santiago A. Catalano; Marcos A. Carabal...; N. Rubén Cúneo
• Keywords: Macrofossil

Premise of the Study The fossil record Agathis historically has been restricted to Australasia. Recently described fossils from Eocene Patagonian Argentina showed a broader distribution than found previously, which is reinforced here with new early Paleocene species Patagonia. No previous phylogenetic analyses have included species. Methods We describe macrofossils Patagonia vegetative and reproductive organs Danian, as well leaves affinities latest Maastrichtian. A total evidence analysis performed, including Danian together other having agathioid affinities. Key Results Early immortalis sp. nov. oldest definite occurrence one most complete in record. Leafy twigs, leaves, pollen cones, pollen, ovuliferous complexes, seeds show features that are extremely similar living genus. Dilwynites grains, associated today both Wollemia known since Turonian, were situ within cones. Conclusions was present ca. 2 million years after K‐Pg boundary, putative Cretaceous suggest genus survived K–Pg extinction. sp recovered stem position for genus, while A. zamunerae (Eocene, Patagonia) part crown. Mesozoic divergence Araucariaceae crown group, previously challenged by molecular estimates, supported combined taxa.