Vegetation history and stomata records

 

 

The potential of stomata analysis in conifers to estimate presence of conifer trees: examples from the Alps

by Ammann B., van der Knaap W. O., Lang G., Gaillard M.-J., Kaltenrieder P., Rösch M., Finsinger W., Wright H. E., Tinner W. (2014)

Brigitta Ammann, Willem O. van der Knaap, Gerhard Lang, Marie-José Gaillard, Petra Kaltenrieder, Manfred Rösch, Walter Finsinger, Herbert E. Wright, Willy Tinner

Brigitta Ammann, University of Bern, Institute of Plant Sciences and Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, Bern, Switzerland

in Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 23(3): 249-264 – DOI10.1007/s00334-014-0431-9 –

https://www.infona.pl/resource/bwmeta1.element.springer-11d09098-6ac7-3882-9153-74a68b692ec8

Abstract

To estimate whether or not a plant taxon found in the fossil record was locally present may be difficult if only pollen is analyzed. Plant macrofossils, in contrast, provide a clear indication of a taxon’s local presence, although in some lake sediments or peats, macrofossils may be rare or degraded.

For conifers, the stomata found on pollen slides are derived from needles and thus provide a valuable proxy for local presence and they can be identified to genus level.

From previously published studies, a transect across the Alps based on 13 sites is presented. For basal samples in sandy silt above the till with high pollen values of Pinus, for example, we may distinguish pine pollen from distant sources (samples with no stomata), from reworked pollen (samples with stomata present).

The first apparent local presence of most conifer genera based on stomata often but not always occurs together with the phase of rapid pollen increase (rational limit). An exception is Larix, with its annual deposition of needles and heavy poorly dispersed pollen, for it often shows the first stomata earlier, at the empirical pollen limit.

The decline and potential local extinction of a conifer can sometimes be shown in the stomata record. The decline may have been caused by climatic change, competition, or human impact.

In situations where conifers form the timberline, the stomata record may indicate timberline fluctuations. In the discussion of immigration or migration of taxa we advocate the use of the cautious term “apparent local presence” to include some uncertainties. Absence of a taxon is impossible to prove.

 

The Holocene tree limit history and stomata analysis

 

 

Holocene tree limit history in the northern French Alps stomata and pollen evidence

by David F. (1997)

Fernand David

in Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 97(3-4): 227-237 – ISSN :0034-6667 –

https://www.infona.pl/resource/bwmeta1.element.elsevier-4cc2ec84-1075-3711-8f3f-f6accb544942

Abstract

Certain aspects of the Holocene tree limit history in the northern French Alps are inferred from both pollen and stomata analysis conducted in a subalpine marsh (2080 m a.s.1.). The proposed chronology is based on ^1 4 C AMS dating of terrestrial plant macrofossils. In the area, Betula invaded this altitudinal level at the beginning of the Holocene prior to 9100 yr B.P., whereas the first occurrence of Pinus stomata is recorded much later at around 7000 yr B.P.

Afterwards five periods of stomata accumulation are recorded (6480-6130, 5600-4990, 4730-4470, 3200-2870 and 2680-2300 yr B.P.). The low pollen influx in the first four periods and the occurrences of Artemisia at the beginning of these periods indicate that stomata accumulation resulted from a reduction of the tree cover.

The climatic and/or anthropogenic origin of these stomata accumulations is discussed. A good correlation appeared with five of the nine phases of Holocene climatic deterioration described in the Swiss and Austrian Alps.

In this study, the combination of pollen influx and stomata determination proved to be a useful tool for understanding the tree limit history. Moreover, discrepancies in the occurrence of Pinus in an adjacent area imply it is difficult to find universal indicators of tree line fluctuations even in a small area.

This warrants methodological discussion.

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L’etude du contenu en pollen et stomates d’un petit site de l’etage subalpin asylvatique de la zone intermediaire des Alpes francaises du nord permet de proposer un schema de l’evolution holocene de la limite superieure des arbres dans cette aire et une chronologie basee sur 8 datations AMS de macrorestes vegetaux terrestres. Le bouleau colonise ce niveau altitudinal des le debut de l’holocene (avant 9100 yr B.P.) et precede les pins dont les premiers stomates sont enregistres autour de 7000 yr B.P. Cinq niveaux d’accumulation de stomates sont ensuite enregistres jusqu’aux deboisements de la periode romaine (6480-6130, 5600-4990, 4730-4470, 3200-2870, 2680-2300 yr B.P.). La diminution des flux polliniques dans 4 de ces niveaux et la reapparition d’Artemisia au debut de ces periodes soulignent la relation entre ouverture du milieu et accumulation de stomates. L’origine climatique ou anthropique de ces phases est discutee et une correlation apparait avec 5 des neuf phases holocenes de pejoration climatique decrites dans les Alpes suisses et autrichiennes. La combinaison des comptages de pollen et de stomates est un bon outil pour decrire les fluctuations de la limite des arbres si l’on considere les flux polliniques et non les seules frequences relatives. Cependant les differences chronologiques entre regions dans l’apparition des pins soulignent la difficulte a definir des indicateurs universels des fluctuations de la limite des arbres.

Stomata in fossils Geinitzia and Sedites

 

 

Geinitzia reichenbachii (Geinitz, 1842) Hollick and Jeffrey, 1909 and Sedites rabenhorstii Geinitz, 1842 (Pinopsida; Late Cretaceous) reconsidered and redescribed

by Kunzmann L. (2010)

Lutz Kunzmann

in Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology 159(1-2): 123-140 – DOI10.1016/j.revpalbo.2009.11.006 –

https://www.infona.pl/resource/bwmeta1.element.elsevier-67b34033-2167-3802-b071-5d94873bbcca

Abstract

Two conifer species from the Upper Turonian of the Saxonian and North Bohemian parts of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin are redescribed using the type specimens and additional material from the type horizon. In both cases characters of the gross-morphology of foliage shoots and leaf epidermal cell structure observed by LM and SEM are studied.

Geinitzia reichenbachii is characterized by uniform falcate leaves that spread abruptly from the axis. They are 4-sided in cross section and have slightly decurrent leaf bases and a single central resin canal. The amphistomatic leaves show adaxially two properly developed stomatal bands with densely arranged stomata and abaxially two stomatal bands repeatedly interrupted.

The apertures of the usually incomplete amphicyclic stomatal apparati are randomly orientated relative to the long leaf axis, but oblique and transversal orientation prevails. G. reichenbachii is typified by a neotype and an emended diagnosis is given. Based on detailed comparison to Geinitzia formosa from the Santonian of Quedlinburg, Germany, G. reichenbachii is assigned to Geinitzia Endlicher, 1847 which is considered a natural genus of extinct conifers and type of the Geinitziaceae.

This application becomes legitimate because the conservation of the name Geinitzia has been proposed recently by Zijlstra et al. (2010).

Sedites rabenhorstii is only known from two small specimens representing ultimate shoots. It is proved that it is a fossil conifer completely distinct from G. reichenbachii. S. rabenhorstii shows epidermal cell characters that have been hitherto described from the genus Glenrosa, a putative Cheirolepidiaceae. S. rabenhorstii differs from Glenrosa in leaf phyllotaxis.

The leaves are arranged in four rows, probably in opposite pairs in decussate phyllotaxis. The free leaf part is spreading, straight, triangular in cross section and has an obtuse apex. The leaf base is decurrent. The leaves are amphistomatic with stomata deeply sunken in communal stomatal chambers containing finger-like processes or trichome papillae across the opening.

In conclusion, Sedites is maintained as a morpho-genus for fossil conifers and an emended generic diagnosis is given.

Atmospheric pCO2 estimated from the ratios between stomatal indices of fossil cuticles and those from modern analogs

 

 

 

Mid-Cretaceous pCO2 based on stomata of the extinct conifer Pseudofrenelopsis (Cheirolepidiaceae) 

Haworth M., Hesselbo S. P., McElwain J. C., Robinson S. A., Brunt J. W. (2005) 

Matthew Haworth, Stephen P. Hesselbo, Jennifer C. McElwain, Stuart A. Robinson, James W. Brunt,

in Geology 33(9): 749-752 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.1130/G21736.1

http://www.gsapubs.org/geology/article-abstract/33/9/749/29636/mid-cretaceous-pco2-based-on-stomata-of-the?redirectedFrom=PDF

Abstract

Stomatal characteristics of an extinct Cretaceous conifer, Pseudofrenelopsis parceramosa (Fontaine) Watson, are used to reconstruct atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO₂) over a time previously inferred to exhibit major fluctuations in this greenhouse gas.

Samples are from non-marine to marine strata of the Wealden and Lower Greensand Groups of England and the Potomac Group of the eastern United States, of Hauterivian to Albian age (136–100 Ma).

Atmospheric pCO₂ is estimated from the ratios between stomatal indices of fossil cuticles and those from four modern analogs (nearest living equivalent plants). Using this approach, and two calibration methods to explore ranges, results show relatively low and only slightly varying pCO₂ over the Hauterivian–Albian interval: a low of ∼560–960 ppm in the early Barremian and a high of ∼620–1200 ppm in the Albian.

Data from the Barremian Wealden Group yield pCO₂ values indistinguishable from a soil-carbonate–based estimate from the same beds. The new pCO₂ estimates are compatible with sedimentological and oxygen-isotope evidence for relatively cool mid-Cretaceous climates.

Stomata in fossils and mountain elevation estimation

Photo credit: Google

Fossil Quercus pseudolyrata leaf after cuticle transposition onto polyester overlay

Ancient elevation of Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains detected from stomatal analyses of 16 – 23 million year old fossil leaves.

by Kouwenberg L. L. R., Broughton J. D., Tiffney B. H., McElwain J. C.  –

Kouwenberg Lenny¹, Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 3060 Valley Life Science Building, Berkeley, CA 94720

Broughton Julie², Department of Earth Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106,

Tiffney Bruce², Department of Earth Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106,

McElwain Jennifer³, Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Bellfield, Dublin 4, Dublin, D4, Ireland

2007 GSA Denver Annual Meeting (28�31 October 2007)

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2007AM/finalprogram/abstract_129307.htm

Photo credit Google – A complete Quercus pseudolyrata leaf from Gold Lake – http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/images/ucmpnews/06_09/quercus600.jpg

The topographic history of the Sierra Nevada has been the focus of an increasing number of studies, but because of conflicting results derived from different methods, the actual altitudinal history remains unresolved.

Quantitative paleoelevation studies based on oxygen and hydrogen isotopes, thermochronology and paleobotanical proxies argue that the Sierra Nevada were high-standing during the early Cenozoic and may have lost elevation since. In contrast, river incision and stratigraphic tilt studies claim that the main elevation gain was not obtained until the Pliocene, associated with the delamination of an eclogite root under the southern Sierra Nevada.

In order to resolve the current discrepancies in the topographic development of the northern Sierra Nevada, we have estimated the paleoelevation of two early-middle Miocene sites in the northern Sierra Nevada, using a new paleobotanical proxy based on the response in stomatal density on leaves to decreasing CO₂ partial pressure with altitude.

Stomatal analysis of fossil Quercus pseudolyrata leaves indicates a paleoelevation for Gold Lake of 2152 � 519 m, 139 m higher than present, and for Mohawk of 2051 � 286 m, 665 m higher than present. The uncertainty in coeval sea-level CO₂ estimations provides the largest source of potential error in this novel method. The lowest estimated elevations, using the maximum likely CO₂concentration, were at least 1500 m a.s.l. during the early-middle Miocene for both sites.

Paleoelevation estimates using established paleobotanical methods (Leaf Margin Analysis, CLAMP and the Nearest Living Relative method) for the Gold Lake and Mohawk floras are remarkably consistent with stomata-based estimates. The paleobotanical data reported here from the Mohawk and Gold Lake floras indicate that a previously suggested post-Eocene uplift of ~500 m had already been gained by the Miocene, strongly arguing against a significant Pliocene uplift phase linked to mantle delamination under the northern Sierra Nevada, without unprecedented Late Miocene erosion to remove previously established relief.

 

The stomatal density of the Quercus delavayi complex may be a useful proxy for reconstruction of paleo-CO2 concentrations.

Photo credit: Google

Quercus delavayi

Evolution of stomatal and trichome density of the Quercus delavayi complex since the late Miocene.

by Hu Q., Xing Y. W., Hu J. J., Huang Y. J., Ma H. J., Zhou Z. K. (2013)

• Qian Hu, Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Biodiversity, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
• Yaowu Xing, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, 666303, China
• Jinjin Hu, Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Biodiversity, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
• Yongjiang Huang, Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Biodiversity, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
• Hongjie Ma, Faculty of Land Resource Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650093, China 
• Zhekun Zhou, Key Laboratory of Biogeography and Biodiversity, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China

in Chin Sci Bull, 2013, 58, doi: 10.1007/s11434-013-6005-x –

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11434-013-0038-z

Photo credit Researchgate – Quercus tenuipilosa – https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yaowu_Xing/publication/255892023/figure/fig3/AS:341212864237570@1458362894121/Fig-5-Cuticular-structures-of-Quercus-tenuipilosa-sp-nov-and-Q-delavayi-under-the.png

Fig. 5 Cuticular structures of Quercus tenuipilosa sp. nov. and Q. delavayi under the light microscope. a Adaxial epidermis of Q. tenuipilosa. Holotype. Slide No. HST856-20120814-upper-01. Scale bar 50 lm. b Adaxial epidermis of Q. delavayi. Slide No. DH030- 3A-1. Scale bar 50 lm. c Abaxial epidermis of Q. tenuipilosa. Holotype. Slide No. HST856-20120814-lower-01. Scale bar 50 lm. d Abaxial epidermis of Q. delavayi. Slide No. DH030-4A-2. Scale bar 50 lm. e Anomocytic stomata of Q. tenuipilosa. Scale bar 10 lm. f Anomocytic stomata of Q. delavayi. Slide No. DH030-4A-2. Scale bar 10 lm. g Multicellular trichome base of Q. tenuipilosa. Slide No. HST856-20120814-lower-01. Scale bar 10 lm. h Multicellular trichome base of Q. delavayi. Slide No. DH030-4A-2. Scale bar 10 lm  

Abstract

A fossil oak species, Quercus tenuipilosa Q. Hu et Z.K. Zhou, is reported from the upper Pliocene Ciying Formation in Kunming, Yunnan Province, southwestern China.

The establishment of this species is based on detailed morphologic and cuticular investigations. The fossil leaves are elliptic, with serrate margins on the apical half. The primary venation is pinnate, and the major secondary venation is craspedodromous. The tertiary veins are opposite or alternate-opposite percurrent with two branches.

The stomata are anomocytic, occurring only on the abaxial epidermis.

The trichome bases are unicellular or multicellular. The new fossil species shows the closest affinity with the extant Q. delavayi and the late Miocene Q. praedelavayi Y.W. Xing et Z.K. Zhou from the Xiaolongtan Formation of the Yunnan Province.

All three species share similar leaf morphology, but differ with respect to trichome base and stomatal densities. Q. tenuipilosa, Q. praedelavayi, and Q. delavayi can be considered to constitute the Q. delavayi complex.

Since the late Miocene, a gradual reduction in trichome base density has occurred in this complex. This trend is the opposite of that of precipitation, indicating that increased trichome density is not an adaptation to dry environments.

The stomatal density (SD) of the Q. delavayi complex was the highest during the late Miocene, declined in the late Pliocene, and then increased during the present epoch. These values show an inverse relationship with atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, suggesting that the SD of the Q. delavayi complex may be a useful proxy for reconstruction of paleo-CO₂ concentrations.

Revisiting the ecological significance of leaf and cuticular micromorphology, e.g. stomata

Photo credit: Researchgate

Fig. 1. Pseudofrenelopsis parceramosa (Fontaine) Watson, gross morphology. A, leafy shoot section with five internodes: arrows indicate free leaf tips, C1232; Â 6.0. B, opposite side of shoot in A; arrows indicate free leaf tips, C1232; Â 6.0. C, single leafy shoot segment with narrow woody cylinder extending beyond each end, C1233; Â 2.0. D, shoot apex with young leaves; trichomes are visible on lowest leaf margin, C1235; Â 6.5. E, shoot with wide zone of woody tissue (dark areas), two lateral branch bases on adjacent internodes, and abundant, adhering cuticle fragments (light colored areas), C1242; Â 2.0. F, branch segment with helically arranged lateral branch bases, C1244; Â 1.0.

 

Hot, dry, wet, cold or toxic? Revisiting the ecological significance of leaf and cuticular micromorphology.

by Haworth M., McElwain J. (2008)

Matthew Haworth, Jennifer McElwain, 

School of Biology and Environmental Science, UCD Science Education and Research Centre, West, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

in Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 262: 79–90 – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2008.02.009 –

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003101820800117X

Abstract

Fossil plant morphological traits have been used extensively as palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate indicators. Xeromorphic features are considered to be structural adaptations that reduce water loss (e.g. thick cuticle, sunken stomata, epidermal papillae and trichomes, stomatal papillae and stomata arranged in sunken grooves), and their presence in fossil plants is often used to indicate palaeo-environmental aridity.

However, in living plants, xeromorphic traits are not restricted to plants subjected to water stress and are commonly observed in plants growing in environments with high precipitation, humidity and water availability. These “xeromorphic” features often serve multiple functions such as water-repellence, defence and protection from excess light.

The use of “xeromorphic” features as indicators of palaeo-environmental aridity therefore requires reinterpretation.

Here we review the ecological functions of “xeromorphic” adaptations in extant plants and analyse the equivocal nature of these morphological features using the extinct Cretaceous conifer Pseudofrenelopsis parceramosa (Fontaine) Watson.

We track the occurrence of stomatal papillae (waxy lobes over-hanging the stomatal pit) that are commonly considered to have an anti-transpirant function, in P. parceramosa through Valanginian–Barremian sediments deposited in a fresh water lowland environment at Worbarrow Bay, Dorset, southern England.

The presence/absence of stomatal papillae in P. parceramosa does not display a pattern consistent with an anti-transpirant function. In the context of supporting sedimentological, geochemical and climate modelling evidence we hypothesise that the primary function of stomatal papillae may be to repel liquid water, in addition to other functions such as providing structural support, pathogen-defence and as a response to high atmospheric particulate content caused by localised volcanism.

Our review presents a new palaeo-environmental interpretation of a widespread and important mid-Cretaceous conifer but also provides an updated synthesis of palaeo-environmental data that can be interpreted from “xeromorphic” features in fossil plants.

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http://blogs.uoregon.edu/gregr/files/2013/07/paleo3comment2009-1norfah.pdf

Lignified guard cell thickenings in stomata of modern and fossil Taxodiaceae (Gymnospermae)

Photo credit: Google

Cryptomeria japonica – Japanese Cedar, Sugi

 

Lignified guard cell thickenings in the leaves of some modern and fossil species of Taxodiaceae (Gymnospermae)

by Boulter M. C. (1970)

in Biol. J. Linn. Soc. 2: 41-46 – DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1970.tb01685.x – 

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1095-8312.1970.tb01685.x/full

Abstract

A combination of light microscope and scanning electron microscope techniques has been used to study leaf cuticle macerations of both modern and fossil Taxodiaceae.

Under-macerated preparations reveal the structure of the lignified guard cells, which is shown to vary in morphology within the four genera studied.

The character is therefore of significance not only to the taxonomist but also to the palaeobotanist, and an example of its use in helping to assign fossil leaves to the genus Cryptomeria is explained.

Variations in stomatal density under changing atmospheric CO2 concentrations of late- and postglacial time

 

 

Variations in the stomatal density of Salix herbacea L. under the changing atmospheric CO2 concentrations of late- and postglacial time.

by Beerling D. J., Chaloner W. G., Huntley B., Pearson J. A., Tooley M. J., Woodward F. I. (1992)

===

in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society London B 336: 215–224 –

https://www.jstor.org/stable/55890?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Abstract

The rapidly rising CO2 concentration of the past 200 years has been shown to be accompanied by a fall in stomatal density in the leaves of temperate trees.

The present study attempts to investigate the relationship of atmospheric CO2 change and stomatal density in the arctic-alpine shrub, Salix herbacea, over the longer time span of 11 500 years offered by fossil leaves from post-glacial deposits.

Comparisons of fossil material from Scotland and Norway are made with leaves from living populations growing in Austria, Greenland and Scotland. The Austrian material, from an altitudinal gradient between 2000 and 2670 m above sea level, gives added comparison of contemporary differences of CO2 partial pressure with altitude.

The results of our investigation indicate, rather surprisingly, that the rising CO2 concentration of the past 11 500 years has been accompanied by an increase in the stomatal density of S. herbacea in contrast to the shorter-term observations on the herbarium material of temperate trees.

The most likely explanation appears to centre on the temperatures and water availability of the early post-glacial environment overriding the effect of the lower CO2 regime.

However, the scale of the time interval involved may also be significant. Natural selection over the 11 500 year period concerned may have favoured a different response to what is, in effect, an acclimatory response observed in trees within the period of rapid CO2 rise of the past 200 years.

 

Stomata for predicting the response of plants to changing atmospheric CO2 concentration.

 

 

Tracking stomatal densities through a glacial cycle: their significance for predicting the response of plants to changing atmospheric CO2 concentration.

by Beerling D. J., Chaloner W. G., Huntley B., Pearson J. A., Tooley M. J. (1991)

in Global Ecology and Biography Letters 1: 136-142 – DOI: 10.2307/2997427 –

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2997427?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Abstract

Continued increases in the global atmospheric CO₂ concentration have been predicted from current and projected rates of fossil fuel burning. Understanding the response of stomatal density as an important ecophysiological parameter controlling the productivity of vegetation is essential if the role of plants in the global carbon budget are to be predicted.

Experimental exposure of plants to elevated CO₂ regimes in controlled environment chambers can only indicate immediate, phenotypic, short-term responses.

The investigation of fossil leaves of extant species growing under the different atmospheric conditions of the last glacial and deglacial transition, when evidence from an Antarctic ice core (Barnola et al., 1987) indicates CO₂ levels markedly different from preindustrial levels, provides one means for eliciting long-term plant responses to changing CO₂ regimes.

We have prepared cuticles from Quaternary leaf fossils, from which stomatal density and index can be calculated.

Our preliminary results give promise of extending the record of stomatal density response back at least 10,000 years.