The Modernization of Landscapes during the Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic

Since their first appearance in the Middle-Late Silurian, land plants have played an increasingly important role in shaping terrestrial ecosystems and landscapes. It is difficult to overestimate their role because they form the framework for terrestrial ecosystems, provide habitats for terrestrial animals, form an important part of the food chain, affect weathering processes and have a direct impact on soil formation, and, last but not least, play a primary role in the oxygen/carbon cycles.