Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
psilophyton

psilophyton

9.9
An extinct plant known from fossils that shows how plants first lived on land
  • noun
  • /ˌsaɪləˈfaɪtən/
  • Specialized
: Psilophyton
  • Several species within the genus psilophyton have helped researchers understand the evolution of vascular systems in plants.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a fossilized psilophyton in the Canadian arctic, shedding light on early land plants.

  • Fossilized psilophyton remains indicate that these plants were among the first to adapt to terrestrial environments.

  • The structure of psilophyton stems suggests adaptation to life on land during the Devonian period.

  • The psilophyton fossil was discovered in a remote area of Canada.

  • Many psilophytons have been found in Devonian rock layers.

  • The discovery of a psilophyton fossil in the sedimentary rocks confirmed its existence during the Devonian period.

  • Researchers studied the anatomy of psilophyton to better understand the evolution of early vascular plants.

Synonyms

Psilophyton
vspsilophyton
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A small ancient plant with thin, branching stems and spore cases at the tips

focuses on membership as fossils from the Devonian and evolutionary importance

Surface Forms

psilophyton singular
psilophytons plural

Etymology

Psilophyton comes from Greek parts psilo meaning 'bare' and phyton meaning 'plant'. So, think 'bare plant' to remember these ancient, often leafless plants and their fossils.