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.