Xeromorphic adaptations of some Mesozoic gymnosperms. A review with palaeoclimatological implications

Plant cuticles have proved to be a high-resolution proxy of palaeo- p_CO2 variation. Mesozoic gymnosperms, however, show a wider range of xeromorphic adaptations than their living relatives, and these may explain stomatal density/stomatal index differences between taxa within the same fossil assemblage. Four main adaptive responses to water loss are pointed out: reduction of solar radiation, reduction of drought-air circulation, reduction of evapotranspiration, and trapping of surface external water. In conclusion, we recommend supplementing quantitative estimates of stomatal density and index by qualitative observations of cuticular adaptive macro- and microstructures.