Fabaceae is the legume family of flowering plants, possible fossils date back to the Late Cretaceous.This large and important plant family survived the K-Pg extinction and flourished. Its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the roots helps to make fertile soil
This image depicts a speculative version of Leguminocarpum olmensis, of which a single fossilized seed pod from the upper Campanian was found in northern Mexico. It's growing out of a Coahuilaceratops skull and a small Ptilodus-like mammal is trying to get to those tasty beans.
@R_Dart This whole ass tweet is a banger. Thank you for the knowledge.
@R_Dart This image fills me with such peace and calm 🌱
@R_Dart So illuminating! Drilling down to the small scale of, ecologically likely, and taxonomically based interactions in an artistic representation. Major kudos! It certainly highlights the advancements in knowledge (from the hazy swampy veg of old) in an accessible, beautiful form.
@R_Dart Can I just say, I love coming across one of your posts in my feed?? It’s just… the amazing artwork, the awesome nerdy science facts… what more could you want?
@R_Dart @PermianSailback i didn’t know any prehistoric legumes! is there any evidence for that symbiotic relationship being present in the fossils? i wonder if any nodules been preserved