Abstract Detail

Paleobotanical Section

Harper, Carla [1], Taylor, Thomas [1], Krings, Michael [2].

Fungi from the Permian and Triassic of Antarctica.

Fungi are an integral part of modern ecosystems, and it is believed that they were equally important as constituents of ancient communities. The recent re-discovery of the advantages of petrographic thin sections over acetate peels has resulted in a wider recognition of fossil fungi. Exceptionally well-preserved fungi have recently been discovered from Skaar Ridge (Permian) and Fremouw Peak (Triassic) in Antarctica. These include several different types of hyphae and mycelia in Permian plant tissue, one of which is characterized by irregular septations and numerous papilla-like hypha projections. It is interesting to note that this type of hypha forms coils in some host cells. Large thick-walled fungal spores (Glomeromycota?) from Skaar Ridge are unusual because some forms contain a number of small spherical structures, each about 13 um in diameter. Fungi from the Fremouw Peak locality include an intracellular meshwork of tenuous hyphae or filaments less than 1 um in diameter. Some appear septate and possibly possess clamp connections. Fungal spores similar to those from Skaar Ridge have been found in the chert matrix from Fremouw Peak. These spores are up to 170 um in diameter and many contain small spores or propagules of other fungi. The internal structures are predominately spherical-pyriform and born terminally on narrow hyphae. These reports emphasize the abundance of well-preserved fungal remains in peat deposits from the late Paleozoic-early Mesozoic of Antarctica and offer new sources of information on fungal diversity and interactions.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University Of Kansas, Department Of Ecology And Evolutionary Biology, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Haworth Hall, Lawrence, KS, 66045-2106, USA
2 - Bayerische Staatssammlung Für Paläontologie Und Ge, Richard-Wagner Strasse 10, Munich, Germany, D-80333, Germany

Keywords:
fungi
fossil fungi
Permian
Triassic
Antarctica.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 10
Location: Lindell C/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 11:00 AM
Number: 10003
Abstract ID:75