A new study of fossilized Prototaxites specimens has uncovered striking similarities between their anatomy and that of modern fungal rhizomorphs. The exceptional preservation of cell walls and even possible organelles in cross-sections of Prototaxites suggests that fossilization began while the organism was still alive, preventing the delicate cellular structures from collapsing. While previous research has often depicted Prototaxites as a vertically growing tree-like organism, this new study proposes an alternative interpretation. It suggests that Prototaxites was likely a complex network of fungal filaments (a rhizomorph) that grew horizontally, similar to the way modern fungi form intricate mycelial networks like cords and rhizomorphs. This horizontal growth pattern may have played a vital role in early terrestrial ecosystems, enabling the redistribution of water and nutrients from areas rich in resources to those with limited resources, thereby facilitating the expansion of early land plant communities.
Continue reading “Prototaxites reinterpreted as mega-rhizomorphs”Prototaxites reinterpreted as mega-rhizomorphs
