What is the Prototaxites fossil found in Scotland?

The Prototaxites fossil is from an ancient organism over eight meters tall that existed about 360 million years ago.

Where can I see the Prototaxites fossil?

The Prototaxites fossil is now on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

What kind of lifeform was Prototaxites?

Researchers believe Prototaxites was neither fungus nor plant, but an entirely extinct and separate branch of life.

Home / Science / Ancient Giant Fossil Redefines Life's History

Ancient Giant Fossil Redefines Life's History

22 Jan

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Summary

A massive fossil over eight meters tall is now on display.
The ancient lifeform, Prototaxites, existed around 360 million years ago.
New research suggests Prototaxites was an entirely extinct branch of life.

Ancient Giant Fossil Redefines Life's History

A remarkable fossil from a long-extinct lifeform, known as Prototaxites, has been added to the collections at the National Museum of Scotland. This ancient organism could reach heights exceeding eight meters, dominating its prehistoric environment.

Previously considered a type of fungus, new research published in Science Advances suggests Prototaxites belonged to an entirely unique and now-extinct evolutionary lineage. The fossil, dating back approximately 410 million years, was discovered in the Rhynie chert deposit in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Scientists involved in the study highlight that Prototaxites displayed anatomical and chemical traits distinct from both fungi and plants. This indicates it represents an independent evolutionary experiment in developing complex organisms, offering a fascinating glimpse into life's diverse past.