The study by Niklas Wikström, Vincent Savolainen, and Mark W. Chase investigates the timing of angiosperm diversification using DNA sequence data, challenging fossil-based estimates. By analyzing a three-gene dataset covering about 75% of all angiosperm families, they estimate that the origin of the crown group of extant angiosperms dates back to the Early to Middle Jurassic (179–158 Myr), and the origin of eudicots to the Late Jurassic to mid Cretaceous (147–131 Myr). These estimates are older than current fossil-based estimates, suggesting that early angiosperm diversification occurred earlier than previously thought. The researchers used non-parametric rate smoothing (NPRS) to estimate divergence times, which allows for rate changes over time. They calibrated their results using a split between Fagales and Cucurbitales in the Late Santonian at 84 Myr, based on fossil evidence. The study highlights the importance of integrating molecular data with fossil records to refine estimates of angiosperm origins and diversification. The analysis also reveals discrepancies between fossil-based estimates and molecular clock data, indicating that some fossil records may not fully capture the true age of angiosperm diversification. The study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive fossil records and further research to reconcile differences between molecular and fossil-based estimates. The results suggest that rapid morphological diversification in early angiosperms may have been accompanied by equally rapid molecular changes, a pattern that contrasts with more recent diversification events. The study underscores the value of combining molecular phylogenetic analyses with fossil evidence to better understand the evolutionary history of angiosperms.The study by Niklas Wikström, Vincent Savolainen, and Mark W. Chase investigates the timing of angiosperm diversification using DNA sequence data, challenging fossil-based estimates. By analyzing a three-gene dataset covering about 75% of all angiosperm families, they estimate that the origin of the crown group of extant angiosperms dates back to the Early to Middle Jurassic (179–158 Myr), and the origin of eudicots to the Late Jurassic to mid Cretaceous (147–131 Myr). These estimates are older than current fossil-based estimates, suggesting that early angiosperm diversification occurred earlier than previously thought. The researchers used non-parametric rate smoothing (NPRS) to estimate divergence times, which allows for rate changes over time. They calibrated their results using a split between Fagales and Cucurbitales in the Late Santonian at 84 Myr, based on fossil evidence. The study highlights the importance of integrating molecular data with fossil records to refine estimates of angiosperm origins and diversification. The analysis also reveals discrepancies between fossil-based estimates and molecular clock data, indicating that some fossil records may not fully capture the true age of angiosperm diversification. The study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive fossil records and further research to reconcile differences between molecular and fossil-based estimates. The results suggest that rapid morphological diversification in early angiosperms may have been accompanied by equally rapid molecular changes, a pattern that contrasts with more recent diversification events. The study underscores the value of combining molecular phylogenetic analyses with fossil evidence to better understand the evolutionary history of angiosperms.