Fossil Flowers of the Dinosaur Age
William L. Crepet

The flowering plants (angiosperms) are ecologically dominant, overwhelmingly diverse compared with other seed plants, and of critical economic importance. It is interesting that the history of these plants remains shrouded in mystery (Darwin's "Abominable Mystery"). Despite their importance, we do not fully understand how they are related to other seed plants nor do we fully comprehend the reasons for their success.

Studies of fossils hold the potential of clarifying relationships by illuminating transition taxa (i.e. missing links). Studies of fossils may also be used to test broadly various ecological/evolutionary hypotheses aimed at explaining angiosperm success. In my laboratory we are studying fossil flowers that are from 95 to 90 million years old (a time of peak dinosaur diversity). These flowers are preserved perfectly and are providing unprecedented information about the pattern of evolution of angiosperms that will be important in understanding their success and relationships.

In this exploration students will have hands on experience with these extraordinary fossils and will learn how we prepare them, examine them with scanning electron microscopy, and how we use the results of our studies to get at various aspects of the abominable mystery.