Fossil flowers were discovered more than 174 million years ago

This discovery created a seismic wave in ancient plant research circles.

The newly discovered fossil showed flower evidence of angiosperms that hatched more than 174 million years ago, about 50 million years earlier than the previous thought of science.

The discovery of a new angiosperm species named Nanjinganthus dendrostyla science may force scientists to reconsider the story of the evolution of plants on Earth.

Scientists have found evidence that angiosperms date from a 174-million-year-old fossil flower.

So far, most scientists agree that angiosperms are not more than 130 million years old.

Using molecular clock analysis, gene mutation rates to estimate the origin of plant and animal lineages, showed that the flowers of angiosperms appeared earlier, but fossils did not. Found until recently has been proved.

Qiang Fu, associate professor at Nanjing, China Institute of Paleontology and Geology, said: "Researching fossil flowers, especially those from earlier geological periods, is the only reliable way. most to have answers to real age questions of angiosperms. "

Fu and his colleagues discovered the Nanjinganthus dendrostyla among 264 fossilized flower samples preserved in the excavated stones, dating from the early Jurassic period.

Scientists have used advanced micro cameras to analyze fossil flowers. Images reveal details about the shape and structure of fossil flowers. Some structural characteristics show that the Nanjinganthus dendrostyla belongs to a particular genus.

Xin Wang, a professor at Nanjing Research Institute, said: "The origin of angiosperms has long been a headache for many botanists. Our findings have led to the field of botany. going forward and will allow for a better understanding of angiosperms, thereby enhancing the ability to effectively use and take care of our planet's resources. "