Linked canopy, climate, and faunal change in the Cenozoic of Patagonia

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1260947
• Publication Date: 2015-01-15T19:02:44Z
• Authors: Regan E. Dunn; Caroline A. E. St...; Richard H. Madden; Matthew J. Kohn; Alfredo A. Carlini
• Keywords: Shrubland; Terrestrial ecosystem

Vegetation structure is a key determinant of ecosystems and ecosystem function, but paleoecological techniques to quantify it are lacking. We present method for reconstructing leaf area index (LAI) based on light-dependent morphology epidermal cells phytoliths derived from them. Using this proxy, we reconstruct LAI the Cenozoic (49 million 11 years ago) middle-latitude Patagonia. Our record shows that dense forests opened up by late Eocene; open shrubland habitats then fluctuated, with brief middle-Miocene regreening period. Furthermore, endemic herbivorous mammals show accelerated tooth crown height evolution during open, yet relatively grass-free, habitat intervals. Patagonian provides high-resolution, sensitive tool which dissect terrestrial response changing Southern Ocean conditions Cenozoic.