Abb Takk News
News Ticker Science / Technology TRENDING

Dinosaur-Era Plant Found Growing in Wisconsin Lakes

Madison(August 2, 2017):  Scientists have found a surprise algae species growing in Wisconsin lakes, a species most thought was existent from the Americas.

Lychnothamnus barbatus is a tall algae species. It has previously been found in Europe and Australasia. Cretaceous-era fossils unearthed in Australia offer the only evidence of the species in the Americas.

Having disappeared from the scientific record, most assumed it had died out with the dinosaurs. But now, researchers have found the unique algae species living in the Midwest.

“Lychnothamnus barbatus’ survival isn’t, per se, ecologically earth-shaking, but it changes our view of what the algal flora of North America is composed of and inspires us to keep hunting for more new finds.”

Researchers collected the algae from 14 lakes across Wisconsin. After combing the scientific record for a match, researchers confirmed the species identify using DNA analysis.

“Other species like it have probably been brought in in ballast water on ships and released into the St. Lawrence seaway or other lakes,” McCourt said.

But it’s not inconceivable that the algae species has been hiding out undetected for centuries.

Related News:

Nigerians Can Now View YouTube Offline

Apple Company Removed Their Privacy Apps From China