Page 502 - Atlas of Creation Volume 4

Araucaria Cone

Period: Jurassic

Age: 206 - 144 million years

Region: Argentina

Many coniferous trees have leathery leaves which they do not

shed. A waxy coating on the leaf surface reduces water loss
through evaporation, and this resistance prevents the leaves
from falling or the withering of the plant due to water pres-
sure. In addition, most coniferous trees have needle-like lea-
ves that are highly resistant to cold. The resistance of leaves is
important, because whenever the weather conditions are sui-
table the plant immediately starts making photosynthesis and

storing nutrients.

The araucaria cone in the pictures also possesses these featu-
res and this fossil proves that the plants have come down unc-
hanged to the present day from 206 to 144 million years ago.

500 Atlas of Creation Vol. 4