protocones

Protocones are a type of fossilized cone structures found in the fossil record, particularly in the late Paleozoic era. They are characterized by their conical shape and the presence of a central axis, which is often surrounded by a series of concentric rings or growth increments. Protocones are typically found in association with other fossilized plant remains, such as leaves and stems, and are often interpreted as the fossilized remains of the reproductive structures of ancient plants.

The term "protocone" was first coined by the German paleontologist Adolf Seilacher in the 1960s, and it has since been used to describe a wide range of fossilized cone structures from various plant groups. Protocones are thought to have been produced by a variety of plant types, including ferns, cycads, and gymnosperms, and they are often used as evidence for the evolution of reproductive structures in plants.

Protocones are typically preserved as impressions or compressions in sedimentary rocks, and they can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The central axis of a protocone is often surrounded by a series of concentric rings or growth increments, which are thought to represent the annual growth of the plant. The outer surface of a protocone is often covered with a series of spines or other structures, which are thought to have been involved in the dispersal of seeds or spores.

Protocones are an important source of information about the evolution of plant reproduction, and they have been used to study the diversity of plant life in the late Paleozoic era. They are also used as a tool for dating and correlating sedimentary rocks, as they are often found in association with other fossilized plant remains. Overall, protocones are a fascinating and important group of fossils that provide valuable insights into the evolution of plant life on Earth.