Deciphering interfungal relationships in the 410-million-yr-old Rhynie chert: an intricate interaction between two mycelial fungi
详细信息    查看全文
文摘
The oldest fossil evidence of interfungal relationships comes from the Lower Devonian Rhynie chert. However, comprehensive specimens displaying consistent patterns of such associations are rare. In this paper we describe a new interfungal interaction from the Rhynie chert that occurs between two mycelial fungi within a degrading land plant axis. One of the partners (fungus 1, probably a glomeromycete) is represented by aseptate hyphae that extend through the space of what was the cortical intercellular system of the plant and produce thin-walled vesicles and/or spores. Intimately associated with fungus 1 is a second fungus (fungus 2, systematic affinities unknown) comprised of delicate, septate hyphae. Many vesicles/spores of fungus 1 are surrounded by a mantle-like hyphal investment formed by fungus 2. Because fungus 2 invades the vesicles/spores of fungus 1 and forms extensive hyphal wefts in the lumen, we interpret fungus 2 as a parasite, albeit not necessarily a pathogen, of fungus 1. This discovery contributes to our knowledge of the diversity of fungi and the intricate interfungal relationships that existed in early continental ecosystems.

© 2004-2018 中国地质图书馆版权所有 京ICP备05064691号 京公网安备11010802017129号

地址:北京市海淀区学院路29号 邮编:100083

电话:办公室:(+86 10)66554848;文献借阅、咨询服务、科技查新:66554700