Incredible discovery from Canada has baffled science

One of the most mysterious organisms in Earth's history has once again become the focus of scientists' attention. Long considered a giant fungus, Prototaxites may not belong to fungi at all. New research suggests that it represents an extinct branch of eukaryotes with no analogues among modern life forms.

Prototaxites fossils, first discovered in the 19th century in Canada and later in Scotland, appeared as giant cylinders without leaves and branches, reaching 8 meters in height. For many decades, its nature remained a mystery: scientists alternately classified it as fungi, plants, and algae. A 2007 study leaned toward a fungal nature.

However, a new study published on March 17, 2025, examines a smaller species - Prototaxites taiti - from the Rhynie chert deposit in Scotland. Analysis of cell walls showed that they do not contain chitin - a key component of fungi, but resemble lignin in composition, which is characteristic of plants.

Additional research revealed that the internal structure of Prototaxites does not correspond to any known multicellular organism. Its tubular structure branches and connects in a unique way, indicating that it belongs to a separate, completely extinct line of eukaryotes.

The discovery aroused interest even among supporters of the fungal origin hypothesis. Kevin Boyce, one of the authors of the 2007 study, acknowledged that Prototaxites does not fit into the phylogenetic tree of fungi.

Scientists suggest that this organism could have been the result of a unique evolutionary experiment that was never repeated. Its disappearance left behind a mystery that perhaps only future discoveries will be able to solve.

Source: LiveScience