PALEOBOTANICAL STUDIES IN ARCTIC CANADA: I. ARCHAEOPTERIS FROM ELLESMERE ISLAND

Abstract

Archaeopteris specimens were collected in the summer of 1962 from Upper Devonian rocks at the head of Goose Fiord, Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada. The collections include two species: A. fissilis and A. obtusa. The fertile parts of the former are described in detail; the pinnules bear two rows of sporangia which are about 2 mm long, dehisce longitudinally, and probably were homosporous. Stem impressions are abundant in the entire area and it is evident that extensive forests existed here in Upper Devonian times. A few well-preserved roots with typical Callixylon anatomy were found associated with the fronds.