The Neogene transition from C3 to C4 grasslands in North America: assemblage analysis of fossil phytoliths

Fourteen selected palaeosol phytolith assemblages from Nebraska and Kansas record an 8–5.5 Ma increase in chloridoid and other potentially C4 PACMAD grass short cells, reaching about 50–60% of the grass component by 5.5 Ma within heterogeneous mixed C3–C4 habitats.

Fourteen central Great Plains palaeosol phytolith assemblages record a regional rise of chloridoid and other potentially C4 PACMAD grasses within heterogeneous mixed C3–C4 habitats; this does not establish global open-grassland dominance.