Worthinkia

Worthinkia is a genus of extinct fern-like plants of the order Matoniales, which belongs to the division Pteridophyta. These plants are characterized by their fronds with two rows of sori, where sporangia are borne. The Worthinkia genus is known from the Carboniferous and Early Permian periods, and fossils of these plants have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.

Worthinkia plants were likely epiphytes or rhizomats, meaning they grew on the surfaces of other plants or on the ground, respectively. They are thought to have evolved from a type of ancient fern that used the haplolepideous spore pattern. This pattern is characterized by the production of spores in a specific shape and size, and is found in many modern ferns.

The Worthinkia genus includes several species, which can be identified by the size and shape of their fronds, as well as the arrangement of their sporangia. Some species of Worthinkia are known for their large fronds, which could be several meters long, while others have smaller fronds that were likely adapted for solitary growth.

Fossil evidence suggests that the Worthinkia genus went extinct at the end of the Permian period, likely due to a combination of factors including changes in the Earth's climate and the evolution of other plant species. Despite their extinction, the Worthinkia genus provides valuable insights into the evolution of ancient plants and their interactions with their environments.