Giant, Mysterious Spires Pre-Dated Trees: Unraveling the Prototaxites Puzzle
2025-01-25
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Towering 24 feet tall and 3 feet wide, the enigmatic Prototaxites fossils have baffled scientists for over 150 years. These giant spires predate large trees, existing between 350 and 420 million years ago. Initially classified as plants, various hypotheses have been proposed, including algae, fungi, and lichens. A 2007 study using carbon isotope analysis provided strong evidence supporting the fungal hypothesis, suggesting Prototaxites were giant fruiting bodies. However, the debate continues, highlighting a bizarre and fascinating prehistoric landscape.