Sprecher
Beschreibung
Algae represent an exceptionally diverse assemblage of organisms that belong to evolutionarily distinct lineages. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of fossil algae from the Cenozoic sedimentary strata to date. In this research, we present the first evidence of three multicellular algal specimens from the Miocene: i) tree-like, branched algae akin to contemporary Cladophora Kütz. (Cladophoraceae: Cladophorales: Chlorophyta), ii) elongated, filamentous, unbranched algae resembling modern Zygnema C. Agardh (Zygnemataceae: Zygnematales: Charophyte), and iii) Moniliform "bead-like" filamentous algae similar to Neo-Proterozoic algae Arctacellularia Hermann found as a mixed algal tuft on cuticular fragments of a compressed monocot leaf recovered from the middle Siwalik sediments (Late Miocene; 12–8 Ma) in Himachal Himalaya, India. This extraordinary preservation of epiphytic fossil algae offers insight into the freshwater conditions that existed during the Siwalik depositional period (Late Miocene). Furthermore, this report contributes significant information regarding the evolution of lower vascular plants throughout deep time.