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Ancient Prototaxites: New Life Branch Discovered?

3/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Prototaxites, a colossal organism that thrived between 420 and 375 million years ago, may belong to an entirely new branch of life, separate from fungi, plants, and animals. Fossil analyses reveal its distinct features, hinting at its classification as an unknown extinct eukaryote. Scientists are eager to unravel the mysteries of its origins.

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Story summary

Prototaxites, a colossal organism that thrived between 420 and 375 million years ago, may belong to an entirely new branch of life, separate from fungi, plants, and animals. Fossil analyses reveal its distinct features, hinting at its classification as an unknown extinct eukaryote. Scientists are eager to unravel the mysteries of its origins.