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Living Fossils

Living Fossils are something that palaeobotanists are often asked about and are a regular feature within the media. The concept dates back to the work of Charles Darwin and refers to organisms that have survived from the geological past. This section of the International Organisation of Palaeobotany’s website is devoted to Living Fossils, and includes discussion on the concept as well as frequently cited examples from the fossil plant record.

Davidia – the Dove Tree and its fossil record

Gingko biloba – its ancestors and allies

Please send items for addition to this section to the site administrator. Contributions should be short, concise, and accompanied by clear images that the authors has ensured there are no copyright infringements.