Temporary Exhibitions & Events

Unsolved cases of paleobotany

Many plants from prehistoric times have survived as fossils. One would think that the better the fossils are preserved, the more we can say about these plants. However, it is not always that simple. Even if the fossil remains are frequently found and excellently preserved, the morphology and systematic affinity of some ancient plants remain unclear, making them a cold case of paleobotany. This is often because only certain parts of the plant (e.g. leaves, stems) are found, and without the rest you simply can’t get any further. Sometimes, however, the fossils have characteristics that are not found in any present-day plant, thus rendering direct comparisons difficult. The mini-exhibition “Unsolved cases of paleobotany” presents three such plants. 

Branch or frond? – Furcifolium longifolium
A wedge-shaped leaf – Ginkgophytopsis delvalii
Enigmatic stems – Hermanophyton

The mopst famous fossil – Archaeopteryx

The “Urvogel” Archaeopteryx has played a crucial role in the discussion of the origin of one of the most important modern groups of vertebrates, the birds. Furthermore, it represents the probably most iconic “intermediate” form between two major groups known. Thus, having been discovered only two years after the publication of Charles Darwins revolutionary book ‘On the origin of species’, this fossil from the Late Jurassic laminated limestones of Bavaria has also played an important role in the discussion of the theory of evolution in general. A small exhibition at the Palaeontological Museum showcases the Munich specimen of this famous early bird and provides additional information.