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Lepidodendron: Habit and Habitat of Lepidodendron: A new groups of arborescent lycopods, popularly known as Lepidodendrales, had evolved from the Middle Devonian lycopods. These arborescent plants would grow to 164 ft (50 m) and form extensive coal measures swamp forest of the Northern Hemisphere Euramerican province during the Carboniferous period. Among these, Lepiclodendron was the most successful of all the arborescent members and is the best-investigated genus (Fig. 7.36). In early stage of development, an endosporic prothallus grew straight up and subsequently it expanded its diameter by secondary growth until its apical meristem divided. Thus, in the successive dichotomy, the size of the branches decreased until the growth finally ceased with terminal twig. So the plant had a determinate growth pattern. The Lepidodendron was a large tree (50-60 m tall) with a prominent trunk (up to 35 m height). The ultimate dichotomies formed the leaves. The branches and the foliage

In this article we will discuss about Fossils . Contents: 1. Meaning of Fossils 2. Formation of Fossils 3. Types Various Names Assigned to Fossils 4. How are Fossils Studies? 5. How are Fossils Reconstructed and Named? 6. Determination of Age of Fossils   1 . Meaning of Fossils Remains or vestiges or traces of plants and animals of the past are called fossils. These remains of organisms from past geological ages remain preserved in sedimentary rocks either as actual structures or as impressions, casts or molds. The word ‘fossil’ is derived from the Latin word “fossilis” which means “to dig up”. In the earlier studies, therefore, a large number of things dug out of earth’s crust were called fossils. These things also included minerals and rocks besides remains of plants and animals. Later on, however, study of fossils were made restricted to only animals and plants. Study of fossils is of great importance because: (i) They furnish evidence of the prehistoric life, and (