Atsüklilised

Atsüklilised (also known as *Atacama cyclads* or *Atacama cycads*) are a group of extinct cycad species that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70–66 million years ago. These plants are notable for their unique fossilized remains, which have been discovered primarily in the Atacama Desert region of northern Chile, particularly in the El Quiroga Formation.

The fossils of atsüklilised exhibit distinctive features such as large, woody trunks with prominent leaf scars and a characteristic crown of compound leaves. Their reproductive structures, including cones, are also well-preserved in some specimens, providing insights into their reproductive biology. Unlike modern cycads, which are often smaller and more diverse in leaf shape, atsüklilised appear to have been robust, tree-like plants, possibly reaching significant heights.

Paleobotanical studies suggest that atsüklilised thrived in a warm, humid climate during the Late Cretaceous, when the region was far different from the arid desert it is today. Their fossils offer valuable information about the prehistoric flora of South America and contribute to understanding the evolutionary history of cycads, a group that has existed for over 200 million years.

The name *atsüklilised* is derived from the Mapudungun language, reflecting their association with the Atacama region. While only a few species have been formally described, ongoing research continues to uncover new details about these fascinating extinct plants, enhancing our knowledge of Mesozoic ecosystems.