Introduction Ginkgoes Cordaites The Conifers Extant Conifer Systematics Questions for Further Thought Read More About It! Range Chart Virtual Gallery

Objective: In this lab you will learn about three groups of seed plants that had their origin in the Late Paleozoic and were very important components of Mesozoic floras. As you become familiar with their varied morphology and occurrence in time, note the suites of characters that unite and differentiate Ginkgo, Cordaites, and conifers into a natural group. Remember, the origin and early evolutionary history of these groups is still hotly debated! Also keep in mind that the super continent Pangea starts to break up during the Mesozoic and that biogeography becomes very important. The Gondwanan (southern continents) and Laurasian (northern continents) floral provinces become distinct as we move into the Triassic: a legacy that is still with us today.

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