Fossil plant research
Leaf of Acer trilobatum (right) from the Miocene Epoch (Germany)
Our research focuses on the origins of land dwelling plants during the Palaeozoic Era, and the co-evolution of plants and animals during the Mesozoic Era.
Plant life has existed on land for over 470 million years, and it forms the basis of terrestrial ecosystems. The origin of plants and their evolutionary importance is a key focus of the Museum's fossil plant research.
Our plant research has 2 main themes:
- Plant origins
- Mesozoic ecosystems
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Plant origins
Investigating the origins of plant life on land and the evolution of basic plant organs, tissue systems, and life cycles.
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Mesozoic ecosystems
Research focusing on forest ecosystems of the Mesozoic Era and the interactions of their plant and dinosaur inhabitants.
Fossil plant researchers
- Dr Paul Kenrick