PALAEOBOTANY IN THE SOUTHERN ARGENTINE LITTORAL REGION: HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT AND CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE

Background and aims: The paleodiversity of plants in Entre Rios Province has enabled the analysis of the plant fossil record, with the aim of providing paleoecological, paleoclimatic and paleophytogeographical insights. M&M: A study of the paleoflora recorded in nine geological units, spanning from the Cretaceous to the Holocene and including both marine and continental deposits was conducted. Fossil specimens were collected from 41 fossiliferous sites. Results: Over the past 30 years, paleobotanical studies have shown steady growth, which has enabled the expansion of scientific collections under strict stratigraphic control. A total of 71 fossil taxa belonging to 20 families were identified: Podocarpaceae, Lauraceae, Arecaceae, Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Celastraceae, Podostemaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, Combretaceae, Lythraceae, Vochysiaceae, Myrtaceae,Anacardiaceae, Malvaceae, Polygonaceae, Styracaceae,Apocynaceae, Solanaceae, and Bignoniaceae. Conclusions: Based on the results, the palaeoflora suggests the presence of tropical rainforests, mangroves, humid riparian forests, dry forests and seasonally dry forests, as well as plant communities associated with lentic and lotic water bodies, steppes and palm savannas. These ecosystems developed in tropical to subtropical climates, ranging from humid to semi-arid regions.