Some fossil conifer species descriptions from the Paleogene to Pliocene of Turkey and their evaluations

Abstract

Until now, a considerable number of Miocene conifer trees has been determined using fossil wood identification. Some studies on fossil wood identifications have revealed the need to reconsider certain fossil wood species definitions. The present study aimed to re-analysis the conifer wood identifications (Cupressaceae), which were described as genus, and performed necessary revisions in the descriptions. All studies were conducted on thin sections used in former studies, and detailed investigations were performed. As result, Cupressinoxylon pliocenica Akkemik, 2019, Glyptostroboxylon rudolphii Dolezych & van der Burgh, 2004, and Taxodioxylon gypsaceum (Göppert) Kräusel, 1949, were described in Turkey. This study showed that these three fossil species had wider distribution areas and lived in a very wide time interval from mainly early Miocene to Pliocene in Turkey.

A re-examination of the angiosperm wood record from the early and middle Miocene of Turkey, and new species descriptions

“…The presence of Cedrus, Pinus (as Lesbosoxylon in the wood record of the early Miocene), Pistacia and particular species of Acer may indicate drier climate and open forests during these transition periods, together with swamp and riparian conditions. The swamp and riparian conifers in the wood record, such as Glyptostroboxylon rudolphii and Taxodioxylon gypsaceum from the early and middle Miocene of Turkey (Akkemik et al, 2016(Akkemik et al, , 2017Acarca Bayam et al, 2018;Akkemik, 2020), are the commonest trees. Salix, Populus and Liquidambar-type woods are further evidence for riparian conditions.…”

MioceneCupressinoxylonfrom Gökçeada (Imbros), Turkey withProtophytobiacambium mining and the study of ecological signals of wood anatomy

“…1 ). The results of the first collection (a total of 16 samples) revealed 11 different fossil species from the area ( Akkemik, 2020 , 2021 ; Güngör et al, 2019 ). Our new specimen comes from the same fossiliferous area.…”

“…Geological similarities between Lemnos and Gökçeada Islands have been noted by De Launay (1898) . In Gökçeada, a rich fossil wood assemblage recently has been found and identified by Iamandei, Iamandei & Akkemik (2018) , Güngör et al (2019) , and Akkemik (2020 , 2021) . The first fossil wood findings of Gökçeada Island include conifers and angiosperms that include monocots ( Table 1 ).…”

“…The co–occurrence of the latter woods with hornbeam, beech, and pine trees, indicates well–drained lowland and upland conditions ( Güngör et al, 2019 ). Many other studies on the woody flora of early and early–middle Miocene have indicated the presence of a subtropical warm and humid climate in Turkey ( e.g ., Denk et al, 2017 ; Denk, Güner & Bouchal, 2019 ; Güner et al, 2017 on macrofossils; Akgün, Kayseri & Akkiraz, 2007 ; Akkiraz et al, 2011 ; Biltekin, 2017 on microfossils, and Acarca Bayam et al, 2018 ; Akkemik, 2020 , 2021 ; Akkemik, Acarca & Hatipoğlu, 2017 ; Akkemik, Akkılıç & Güngör, 2019 ; Akkemik, Köse & Poole, 2005 ; Akkemik, Mantzouka & Kıran Yıldırım, 2020 ; Akkemik & Sakınç, 2013 ; Akkemik et al, 2009 , 2016 , 2019 on petrified woods).…”

“…This wood assemblage of Gökçeada indicates the presence of a subtropical, warm climate. The presence of palm trees ( Palmoxylon ), lauraceous woods ( Cryptocaryoxylon and Laurinoxylon ), taxodioid woods including swamp cypress ( Cupressinoxylon and Taxodioxylon ), alder ( Alnoxylon ), and plane trees ( Platanoxylon ) represent lower coastal and riparian conditions (see Acarca Bayam et al, 2018 ; Güngör et al, 2019 ; Akkemik, 2020 , 2021 ). The co–occurrence of the latter woods with hornbeam, beech, and pine trees, indicates well–drained lowland and upland conditions ( Güngör et al, 2019 ).…”