New Delhi: The largest non-carbonaceous plant fossils, 140 times bigger than today's algae species, have been discovered in western Rajasthan, opening a new window for understanding evolution of life on earth.
A team of researchers from the University of Lucknow have discovered the fossils with physical characteristics of Vaucheriacean plant, a type of yellow-green algae found in fresh or marine water, five kms from Jodhpur in Sursagar mines region.
Generally plant fossils contain carbon and have simple structures. Fossils which are non-carbonaceous or lacking carbon content are rare, according to the scientists.
The findings of megaplant fossils imply a high possibility of presence of hydrocarbons in the Marwar Basin as the Vaucheriacean plants are known to reserve oil as food material, the University said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, October 06, 2009, 09:34