Maslova, E.V., O.V. Ivanov & M.S. Ignatov. On the distinction of two species of Palaeozoic moss genus Intia (Protosphagnales)

Arctoa (2012) 21: 237-240

Upper Palaeozoic mosses of the genus Intia (order Protosphagnales) are widespread in deposits of Angaraland. The distinction of the two especially common species is in the focus of the study. The differences concern mostly leaf areolation pattern which is quite difficult to describe. The digitized areolation can be used for cell comparison by width to length ratio, allowing species discrimination in typical cases. Another way of their distinction is based on the ontogenetically-structured data. The latter is possible in Protosphagnalean mosses due to specific areolation pattern forming in the course of last cell divisions, so most cells are arranged in easily recognizable triads or tetrads. Proportions between cell areas within triads or tetrads appear to be a useful characteristic of species.