A Permian nurse log and evidence for facilitation in high-latitude <i>Glossopteris</i> forests

The biology of trees that grew in high‐latitude forests during warmer geological periods is major interest understanding past and future ecosystem dynamics. As we study the different plants composed these forests, it becomes possible to make comparisons with processes occur today. Here describe a silicified late Permian (Lopingian) glossopterid (seed fern) trunk from Skaar Ridge, central Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica, evidence rootlets growing into its wood. specimen interpreted as nurse log similar those seen some extant forests. Together roots within lacunae older roots, this new suggests existence facilitative interactions among dominated Gondwana Permian. More generally, self‐facilitation might have favoured expansion glossopterids various environments, especially at high palaeolatitudes, icehouse greenhouse transition.