PALAEOBOTANICAL RESEARCH GROUP UNIVERSITY  MÜNSTER

	The Biota of Early Terrestrial Ecosystems: The Rhynie Chert (A Teaching and Learning Resource) is the new web site of our friends from Aberdeen and this magnificent site brings all you ever wanted to know about the Rhynie Chert and its fossils. This web site is designed as a learning and teaching resource based on the Rhynie Chert, a rock formation from northeast Scotland that contains a superbly preserved 400 million year old terrestrial and freshwater flora and fauna. The site is designed to be of greatest value for Honours Geology students but can be used by anyone with an interest in earth or life sciences. The site comprises two main components: 1. The Learning Resource The first is primarily a resource site for students and teachers covering many aspects of the present knowledge of this unique geological deposit and its scientific significance. It also includes glossary and bibliography pages, as well as a page containing links to many other Rhynie Chert websites and related sites of interest.  2. Suggestions For Tutors The second part provides guidance for teachers in this subject area and as such will require a password to enter. It is primarily aimed at a university Honours degree level but can be utilised at any level. The content is primarily of value in geology teaching, but has relevance to botany, zoology, ecology and history of science.
	The first website of the The Rhynie Chert Research Group in Aberdeen, Scotland deals with various topics on or related to the Rhynie Chert, e.g., the history of the site, the drilling project.
	Our own pages on the oldest lichen.
	More recent is our special pages on the oldest ascomycetes.
	A short German introduction to the Rhynie Chert hosted by the Paläontologische Gesellschaft
	Many links to other sites illustrating Early Devonian plants are given on the link page of our "The History of Palaeozoic Forests" pages.
	The Rhynie Chert Page of the series "Localities of the Devonian" by the Museum of Paleontology of the University of California at Berkeley provides some general information. The text is of the normal textbook level; pictures are not overwhelming.
	Hans Steur's Rhynie Chert Pictures gives a good overview of the flora of this locality with many pictures.
	Alan Channing from the University of Cardiff maintains a site on processes of plant silicification in hot spring environments.
Some general information:
	Some general information on the village of Rhynie.
	Learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the region: the Rhynie Man.