0000000000019247
AUTHOR
Candela Blanco-moreno
Preparation protocols for SEM visualization of charred fossil plants: the case of Weichselia reticulata pinnule anatomy
The cosmopolite Mesozoic fern Weichselia reticulata presents many peculiarities in the anatomy of its stem as well as in the architecture of its leaves. Previous analyses of the ultrastructure of their pinnule laminas provided some insight on xeromorphic traits. In this work new protocols for the preparation of charred compression foliage specimens embedded in a limestone matrix for their observation under SEM are presented, which enhance the observation of different plant tissues. The preparation with HCl allows for the visualization of the whole lamina, from the upper to the lower epidermis, which had not been done to date. Additionally, collodion, latex, or wax coverings of the fossils b…
Characterization of coelacanth scales from the Early Cretaceous freshwater locality of Las Hoyas, upper Barremian (Cuenca, Spain)
Coelacanths are rare, mostly marine fishes, but the species from the Lower Cretaceous Spanish locality of Las Hoyas (Barremian) is a freshwater form and we know almost nothing about it. The Las Hoyas specimens are very rare and relatively incomplete, but there are still many things we can learn from the isolated skeletons and scales. First, the coelacanth scales were distinguished from other superficially similar scales (i.e., other “amioid” scales). Coelacanth scales are distinguished by the presence of a smooth central surface, a particular pattern of arrangement of concentric growth cessation marks, and mainly a relatively short posterior field with thick elongated ridges. Only a few art…