Araucaria haastii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Araucaria haastii |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Araucaria
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| Species: |
haastii
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Araucaria haastii was an extinct type of conifer tree. It used to grow in New Zealand a very long time ago. Think of it like a giant pine tree that isn't around anymore! Scientists have found many fossils of these trees. These fossils help us learn about ancient forests.
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Discovering an Ancient Giant
This tree, Araucaria haastii, is known from some very well-preserved fossils. These fossils were found in Cretaceous rocks. The Cretaceous period was about 145 to 66 million years ago. That's when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! The fossils were discovered in different places on the South Island of New Zealand.
What Makes Araucaria haastii Special?
Scientists can tell Araucaria haastii apart from other ancient trees. They look closely at the fossils. The leaves show special details about their shape and outer layer. These details help scientists know it was definitely an Araucaria tree.
It also helps them place it in a group called Intermedia. This means its closest living relative is the Klinki pine. The Klinki pine grows in the mountains of Papua New Guinea today.
Distinguishing Ancient Trees
Many fossils of ancient trees have been found in New Zealand. These trees belong to a family called Araucariaceae. But it can be hard to tell them apart. This is because the fossils are not always perfectly preserved.
Scientists often need to tell the difference between Araucaria species and Agathis species. Araucaria trees are related to modern trees like the Norfolk pine. Agathis trees are related to New Zealand's famous Kauri tree. Araucaria haastii fossils were clear enough to identify correctly.
Where Did These Trees Grow?
Fossils from the North Island of New Zealand also exist. They are from the same time period. These fossils seem to be from a similar Araucaria species. However, they are not as well-preserved. This makes exact identification harder.
Related types of these ancient trees have also been found. Their fossils were discovered in Tasmania and South America. This shows that the Araucariaceae family was once spread across a huge ancient landmass. This landmass is known as Gondwana.
