Oregon


 * By Joey Mumpher**

**Fossil Name:**

 * //Metasequoia glyptostroboides//

Description:

 * Metasequoia, commonly named Dawn Redwood, was named the official state fossil of Oregon in 2005.
 * Metasequoia is a tree, that would have been deciduous when it was fossilized.
 * Leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters long,and would have been green.
 * The leaf cones are 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter, and they include 16 to 28 scales, arranged in opposite pairs.
 * There were approximately 3 species when the leaves were fossilized; They are: //M. foxii//, // M. milleri //, and // M. occidentalis. //
 * The tree was originally evergreen, but made a change to being deciduous later.

**Time Existed:**

 * //Metasequoia glyptostroboides// existed approximately 5 to 25 million years ago, during the Miocene age.
 * It had a lot of modern life, supposedly all modern birds, and was filled with plant life.

Preservation:
> petrified.
 * Metasequoia leaves are usually preserved into rock, but there are stumps and trunks that can be

Why is it the state fossil?

 * Metasequoia was common in the Pacific Northwest during the Miocene age, so in honor Oregon named it their state fossil in 2005.

Sources:
Mccoy, Erin. "Oregon State Fossil." //State Symbols USA - official state and national symbols, emblems, icons//. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. Retrieved from: .

Brand, Mark. "Metasequoia glyptostroboides." //UConn Plant Database//. University of Connecticut, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2012. Retrieved from: .