Abstract
A new species Pleuromeia shaolinii Zhang et Wang n. sp. was established under the family Pleuromeiaceae, based on eight specimens of stems and leaves, cones, rhizophores, and adventitious roots that were recently collected from the Middle Triassic Linjia Formation in Benxi, Northeast China. P. shaolinii n. sp. is similar to the type species P. sternbergii, in the morphology of the stem and rhizophore, but differs from it by the transversely rounded sporophylls organized in a heterosporous cone, and the two conspicuous triangular scars present on both sides of the vascular bundle scar. The Linjia flora, an only reliable Middle Triassic flora in Northeast China, was discovered 40 years ago. Although the Linjia Formation can be compared with the Middle Triassic Ermaying Formation from another area of the North China plate, its age was questionable due to the absence of the Early to Middle Triassic index fossil Pleuromeia. Based on the flora similarity, the zircon dating, lithologic characteristics, presence of a disconformity, and the occurrence of the Middle Triassic–Early Cretaceous insect fossil Sogdoblatta, the age of the Linjia Formation can be confirmed as Middle Triassic. The new species not only supplements our knowledge in biology and taxonomy of Pleuromeia, but also supports the Middle Triassic age assignment of the Linjia flora.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.