Discovery of the fossil flower Patagoflora minima in Patagonia redefines Cretaceous evolution 101 million years ago

The discovery of a tiny fossil flower in Patagonia, named Patagoflora minima, is revolutionizing our understanding of the Cretaceous. This flower, just 6 to 9 millimeters in size, was found at the same site as the enormous dinosaur Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest known sauropods.

Impact of Patagoflora minima on the history of the Cretaceous

The incredible disparity in size between the flower and the dinosaur highlights the astonishing contrast between the colossal and the minuscule in nature. This finding in Patagonia is not only poetic but also provides valuable information about the evolution of flowering plants 101 million years ago.

The site, known for the remains of the Patagotitan, has revealed a new species thanks to the collaboration between the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum–CONICET and the Dinópolis Foundation of Teruel. The discovery was published in Cretaceous Research, highlighting the Patagonian origin and the small size of Patagoflora minima.

This discovery is significant as it represents one of the oldest floral records in South America. The research led by paleobotanists like Giovanni Nunes and María Gandolfo highlights the importance of these fossils in understanding the biodiversity of the Cretaceous.

The fragility of flowers makes their preservation alongside dinosaur remains rare, increasing the relevance of this site. With a precise dating of 101 million years, these fossils are among the best-preserved from the ancient continent Gondwana.

Historical connection between Patagonia and Teruel

In Teruel, Spain, angiosperms of a similar age have been documented, making this place an epicenter for the study of the evolution of flowering plants worldwide. The comparison with findings in Patagonia could shed light on the early evolution of these species.

Scientists state that the discovery expands the knowledge of plant diversity during the Cretaceous and constitutes an important milestone in paleobotany. These fossils stand out as part of the oldest records of angiosperms in South America, crucial for understanding the global evolution of flowers.