Inference of the Paleoclimate of the Miocene formation in Ixtapa Chiapas, using the foliar physiognomy of fossils

Abstract

The relationship between vegetation and climate in the fossil represents a good proxy paleoclimatic, and as a basis or principle of these studies found a close correlation with biological actualism. The leaves are the most susceptible organ of plants because respond to the environment in which they grow. Studies have been conducted to demonstrate the correlation between climate, genes and phenotype, this correlation is reflected in the morphology of the leaf. Under this premise the goal of this work is to infer the climatic parameters under which Miocene flora developed Ixtapa, Chiapas. Based on leaf characteristics were recognized 126 morphotypes were analyzed with the CLAMP methodology that allows comparison to the fossil flora with 173 existing sites. The study suggests that in Ixtapa, Chiapas, during the late Middle Miocene (12.53 to 15.25 million years), appeared had a semi-cold wet weather. This result, compared with climates that are described today in Mexico, suggests that the region probably developed in a similar Cloud Forest vegetation. The dominant physiognomy of fossil leaves includes size microphyll entire margin, acute form of the base and acute apex. Among the 126 different morphotypes described two related to Moraceae and Sapindaceae families. Such studies represent an opportunity to understand the relationship of climate and environmental scenarios as selectors vegetation.