What the study found
The study finds that Early Triassic lycophytes, which were among the first plants to colonize stressed landscapes after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, had traits suggesting survival under extreme conditions. The authors identify CAM photosynthesis, or crassulacean acid metabolism, as a possible mechanism behind this advantage.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that CAM physiology may have helped plants survive after Earth's largest mass extinction and may have supported ecosystem recovery. The study suggests this trait could have been important during Early Triassic super greenhouse conditions.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used independent phylogenetic analyses to examine the evolutionary relationships of Early Triassic lycophytes and compared carbon isotope signatures with those of living Isoetes species, a modern group known for ecological flexibility. They also combined these results with climate simulations.
What worked and what didn't
The phylogenetic analyses showed that the Early Triassic lycophytes are closely related to modern Isoetales. Their carbon isotope signatures resembled those of extant Isoetes that use CAM photosynthesis, and the climate simulations suggested CAM could have been advantageous under the modeled conditions.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations or alternative explanations. The findings are presented as a potential mechanism rather than a direct demonstration of CAM physiology in these ancient plants.
Key points
- Early Triassic lycophytes were described as pioneer, or disaster, taxa that rapidly colonized stressed post-extinction environments.
- Independent phylogenetic analyses linked these lycophytes to modern Isoetales.
- Their carbon isotope signatures resembled those of living Isoetes species that use CAM photosynthesis.
- Climate simulations suggested CAM could have conferred a substantial advantage under Early Triassic super greenhouse conditions.
- The authors identify CAM physiology as a potential mechanism for plant survival and ecosystem recovery after the Permian-Triassic extinction.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- CAM photosynthesis may have aided early Triassic plant survival
- Authors:
- Zhen Xu, Jason; id_orcid 0000-0003-0286-8236 Hilton, Jianxin Yu, Paul B. Wignall, Alexander Farnsworth, Isabel P. Montañez, Nian Peng, Qinzhong Liang, Xin Sun, Benjamin J. W. Mills, Barry H. Lomax
- Institutions:
- University of Leeds, China University of Geosciences, Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Bristol, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Planetary Science Institute, University of California, Davis, University of Nottingham
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-20
- OpenAlex record:
- View
- Image credit:
- Photo by Jahra Tasfia Reza on Pexels · Pexels License
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