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  • Title: Indication of global deforestation at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary by New Zealand fern spike.
    Author: Vajda V, Raine JI, Hollis CJ.
    Journal: Science; 2001 Nov 23; 294(5547):1700-2. PubMed ID: 11721051.
    Abstract:
    The devastating effect on terrestrial plant communities of a bolide impact at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary is shown in fossil pollen and spore assemblages by a diverse flora being abruptly replaced by one dominated by a few species of fern. Well documented in North America, this fern spike signals widespread deforestation due to an impact winter or massive wildfires. A Southern Hemisphere record of a fern spike, together with a large iridium anomaly, indicates that the devastation was truly global. Recovery of New Zealand plant communities followed a pattern consistent with major climatic perturbations occurring after an impact winter that was possibly preceded by global wildfires.
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