title: Pinaceae-like reproductive morphology in Schizolepidopsis canicularis sp. nov. from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian-Albian) of Mongolia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Seed cone scales assigned to the genus Schizolepidopsis are widespread in Late Triassic to Cretaceous Eurasian deposits. They have been linked to the conifer family Pinaceae based on associated vegetative remains, but their exact affinities are uncertain. Recently discovered material from the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia reveals important new information concerning Schizolepidopsis cone scales and seeds, and provides support for a relationship between the genus and extant Pinaceae.
  
  
  METHODS
  Specimens were collected from Early Cretaceous (probable Aptian-Albian) lignite deposits in central Mongolia. Lignite samples were disaggregated, cleaned in hydrofluoric acid, and washed in water. Specimens were selected for further study using light and electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Schizolepidopsis canicularis seed cones consist of loosely arranged, bilobed ovulate scales subtended by a small bract. A single inverted seed with an elongate micropyle is borne on each lobe of the ovulate scale. Each seed has a wing formed by the separation of the adaxial surface of the ovulate scale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Schizolepidopsis canicularis produced winged seeds that formed in a manner that is unique to Pinaceae among extant conifers. We do not definitively place this species in Pinaceae pending more complete information concerning its pollen cones and vegetative remains. Nevertheless, this material suggests that Schizolepidopsis may be important for understanding the early evolution of Pinaceae, and may potentially help reconcile the appearance of the family in the fossil record with results based on phylogenetic analyses of molecular data.
authors.affiliation: Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 USA.
authors.forename: Andrew B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Glasspool
authors.forename: Patrick S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Herendeen
authors.forename: Niiden
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ichinnorov
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knopf
authors.forename: Masamichi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Crane
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D005580:Fossils; D008986:Mongolia; D010802:Phylogeny; D028201:Pinaceae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D011058:Pollen; D012098:Reproduction; D012639:Seeds / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D064028:Tracheophyta / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Pinaceae; conifer; seed plant phylogeny; seed wing