Scientists have reported the discovery of a new life form that existed on Earth hundreds of millions of years ago. This refers to the ancient prototaxite organism, which, according to new data, belongs neither to the class of fungi nor plants.
AzEdu.az reports that the information was presented with reference to the "Daily Mail" publication.
According to the results of the research, prototaxite existed approximately 410 million years ago and became extinct approximately 360 million years ago. Its height could reach eight meters. Previously, this organism was considered a giant fungus, but new fossil analysis has refuted this version.
The research has shown that, due to its chemical and anatomical characteristics, prototaxite does not fit into any known group of complex organisms. Scientists have concluded that it belongs to a separate evolutionary lineage that is completely extinct and has no modern analogue.
Fossil samples were discovered in the Rhynie region of Scotland. They have already been included in museum collections and, according to experts, offer a new perspective on the early developmental stages of complex life on Earth.
