Studies in the Glossopteries flora of India - 3. Plant fossils from the Talchir needle shales from Giridih coalfield

Abstract

The paper describes for the first time the occurrence of an interesting micro flora and a few plant impressions obtained during 1955 from the Talchir needle shales (Talchir stage) of the Giridih coalfield, Bihar. Among the microfossils four types of one-winged spores and three types of two-winged spores have been recognized. The plant impressions include Gangamopteris cyclopteroides Fstm., Noeggerathiopsis Hislopi (Bunb.), a Noeggerathiopsis sp. and certain carbonized stems and ? petiole or rachis impressions. The present findings furnish the first record of fossils from the Talchir needle shales (stage) which was hitherto regarded as unfossiliferous. It also strengthens the belief that the earlier Glossopteris flora was contemporaneous with the Ice Age.