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Fossils as keys to evolution in fungi
1Department of Russian, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403.
Bio Systems
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Fossil fungi reveal key evolutionary events likely occurred in the early Paleozoic or Precambrian, with limited definitive evidence. Early fungi showed morphological consistency and formed symbiotic relationships with plants.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Mycology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The fungal fossil record is extensive but challenging to interpret.
- Recent discoveries in Paleozoic terrestrial assemblages offer new insights into early fungal diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reconstruct the macroevolutionary history of fungi using fossil evidence.
- To investigate the early establishment of fungal-vascular plant associations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fossil assemblages from the Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous periods.
- Comparative analysis of extant fungal groups with Paleozoic fossil evidence.
Main Results:
- Plausible evidence for major extant fungal groups found in Paleozoic fossils.
- Demonstration of morphological conservatism in fungi throughout geological time.
- Evidence for early and diverse symbiotic associations between fungi and vascular plants.
Conclusions:
- Major fungal macroevolutionary events likely occurred in the early Paleozoic or Precambrian.
- The origin of terrestrial fungi may involve symbiotic relationships with algae, forming lichen-like structures.