Prototaxites, an ancient organism that existed around 420 million years ago, was initially classified as a type of fungus due to its tree-like appearance.

However, recent findings indicate that Prototaxites lacked typical fungal characteristics, such as the thread-like structures known as hyphae.

This has led researchers to consider whether Prototaxites could represent a missing link in the evolutionary history of life, potentially filling an ecological role similar to modern trees or fungi.

A team from the University of Edinburgh conducted advanced imaging and genetic analyses, revealing new insights into Prototaxites' evolutionary lineage.

Corentin Loron, a paleobiologist, noted that Prototaxites best fits into a previously undescribed, entirely extinct group of eukaryotes.

The organism displayed growth patterns more akin to plants, yet its structure was more complex than any known plant species today.

Fossil specimens of Prototaxites could reach heights of up to 26 feet, indicating a size and complexity not seen in modern trees or fungi.

The absence of any known descendants of Prototaxites raises intriguing questions about early life evolution and its ecological contributions.

This discovery underscores the potential for future paleontological research, as new technologies continue to enhance our understanding of ancient organisms.