An evidence-based 3D reconstruction of <i>Asteroxylon mackiei</i>, the most complex plant preserved from the Rhynie chert.

ABSTRACT: The Early Devonian Rhynie chert preserves the earliest terrestrial ecosystem and informs our understanding of early life on land. However, our knowledge of the 3D structure, and development of these plants is still rudimentary. Here we used digital 3D reconstruction techniques to produce the first well-evidenced reconstruction of the structure and development of the rooting system of the lycopsid Asteroxylon mackiei, the most complex plant in the Rhynie chert. The reconstruction reveals the organisation of the three distinct axis types - leafy shoot axes, root-bearing axes, and rooting axes - in the body plan. Combining this reconstruction with developmental data from fossilised meristems, we demonstrate that the A. mackiei rooting axis - a transitional lycophyte organ betwee

SUBMITTER: Hetherington AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8384418 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature