In a groundbreaking revelation, paleontologists have unveiled the origin of the oldest known fossil of a fruit found in India, transforming our understanding of plant evolution. The fossil, initially discovered in the 1970s, has been identified as belonging to the Frankincense family, shedding light on a previously unknown chapter in botanical history.
Delving into the Discovery
Palaeontologists recently determined that the fossilized fruits, part of an unknown extinct plant species, represent the earliest known fossil of the Burseraceae family. The initial discovery occurred in India, where a palaeontologist stumbled upon small, bead-like fossils embedded in grey chert on the outskirts of a village. The challenging history of this fossil, named “Enigmocarpon,” started to unravel as more similar fossils were found in India over subsequent decades.
Breakthrough with CT Scanning Technology
To unravel the mysteries surrounding these ancient fruits, Steven Manchester, curator of palaeobotany at the Florida Museum of Natural History, employed CT scanning technology. The resulting 3D reconstructions of the original fossil specimens revealed an unexpected detail about the triangular seeds inside the fossil. Contrary to initial assumptions, these were identified as pyrenes—hard stones found in fruits like cherries and peaches that prevent the seeds from digestion.
The Significance of the Discovery
The recognition of pyrenes in the fossil offered a crucial clue to determine the ancient plant group to which they belonged. This breakthrough not only unveils the botanical identity of “Enigmocarpon” but also emphasizes the importance of studying biodiversity in the southern hemisphere. Steven Manchester noted that while Europe might lack rocks of the right age, the southern hemisphere emerges as a significant origin point for diverse plant species.
In essence, the discovery marks a pivotal moment in paleobotany, challenging assumptions about plant evolution and highlighting the rich biodiversity concealed in the geological history of the southern hemisphere.
