John Miller
Mushrooms, the fleshy spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have been consumed for hundreds of years, with evidence of ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Mayans, Vikings, and ancient Chinese and Japanese civilizations using them for food and medicinal purposes. While the terms mushroom and toadstool have been used interchangeably for centuries, the former is typically used to refer to cultivated white button mushrooms, while the latter generally refers to poisonous mushrooms. The first mushrooms are believed to have evolved between 715 and 810 million years ago, with fossilized remains of mycelium, the network of interconnected microscopic strands that make up the hidden part of the fungus, discovered in rocks from this period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The first mushrooms evolved on Earth between 715 and 810 million years ago. |
| Location | Fossils have been found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
| Habitat | Mushrooms are typically found above ground on soil or another food source. |
| Definition | Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus. |
| Species | There are hundreds of species of mushrooms, with only 2% of them identified. |
| Cultivation | Mushrooms are cultivated in caves, quarries, and excavated tunnels. |
| Uses | Mushrooms are used for medicinal purposes and as food. |
| Ancient Uses | In ancient Greece and Rome, mushrooms were considered the food of the gods, and in ancient Egypt, they were reserved for pharaohs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms may have evolved 300 million years earlier than previously thought
- The earliest fossil with mushroom-like features is 460 million years old
- Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants
- Ancient civilisations like the Romans and Egyptians revered mushrooms
- Mushrooms were first cultivated in China and Japan around 600 CE
Mushrooms may have evolved 300 million years earlier than previously thought
Mushrooms, the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have likely been consumed and used by humans since prehistoric times. The earliest archaeological evidence of mushrooms being used "spiritually" dates back to as early as 10,000 BCE, and they have been mentioned in the writings of the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Mayans.
However, the origin and evolution of mushrooms remain largely unknown. While it was previously believed that mushrooms first evolved on Earth around 460 million years ago, a 2020 study led by Professor Steeve Bonneville from the Université libre de Bruxelles has pushed back this timeline significantly. Bonneville and his team discovered fossilized remains of mycelium (a network of interconnected microscopic strands) in rocks between 715 and 810 million years old, found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This discovery suggests that mushrooms evolved 300 million years earlier than previously thought and played a crucial role in the colonization of the Earth's surface by plants around 500 million years ago. According to Bonneville, this finding has important implications for our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth, and further research in even older rocks may provide insights into the origins of the animal kingdom.
The study, published in "Science Advances," highlights the mysterious nature of the kingdom Fungi, with only 2% of species identified and fossils being extremely rare due to the delicate nature of mushrooms. This discovery adds to our limited knowledge of mushroom evolution, which includes evidence of the earliest known mushroom-forming fungi, Archaeomarasmius legletti, from the mid-Cretaceous, 90 million years ago, and the more recent evolution of psilocybin-making Psilocybe mushrooms around 65 million years ago.
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The earliest fossil with mushroom-like features is 460 million years old
The fossilized remains of mushrooms are extremely rare. Mushrooms don't live for very long, and their soft bodies decay quickly. However, a 460-million-year-old mushroom fossil was discovered, pushing back the timeline of the evolution of organisms on Earth.
This discovery was made by a group of researchers led by Professor Steeve Bonneville from the Biogeochemistry and Earth System Modelling research unit at the Université libre de Bruxelles. Bonneville and his team discovered fossilized mycelium (a network of interconnected microscopic strands) in ancient rocks from the Democratic Republic of Congo. These rocks are believed to have formed in a lagoon or coastal lake environment.
The presence of these fossils in a transitional area between water and land suggests that mushrooms played an important role in the colonization of the Earth's surface by plants around 500 million years ago. Bonneville's findings were published in a paper titled ""Molecular identification of fungi microfossils in a Neoproterozoic shale rock" in Science Advances.
Using advanced techniques, Bonneville and his team identified the presence of chitin, a material unique to fungi, in the fossil's filamentous networks. This discovery provides valuable insights into the evolution of fungi, plants, and the planet's surface, prompting further exploration of ancient rocks to uncover more about the origins of life on Earth.
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Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants
Mushrooms, the fleshy spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, are believed to have first appeared between 715 and 810 million years ago, much earlier than previously thought. Fossils of mycelium, a network of interconnected microscopic strands, were discovered in rocks of a similar age in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These ancient fossils formed in a lagoon or coastal lake environment, indicating that mushrooms were important partners of the first plants that colonized the Earth's surface.
While mushrooms may seem similar to plants, genetic studies reveal that mushrooms are, in fact, more closely related to animals than plants. This is because animals and fungi share a common ancestor, branching away from plants around 1.1 billion years ago. This common ancestor was likely a single-celled organism with sperm-like characteristics and a later developmental stage with a stronger cell wall.
The relationship between mushrooms and animals becomes clearer when comparing their food sources. Plants photosynthesize, while fungi chemically digest their food. This distinction highlights the evolutionary divergence between plants and fungi. Additionally, the texture of mushrooms can sometimes feel similar to meat, further emphasizing their closer relationship to animals.
The study of fungi, known as mycology, was initially considered a branch of botany due to the perception of fungi as primitive plants. However, modern molecular classifications have revealed that not all members of the order Agaricales, which typically produce mushroom fruit bodies, actually do so. This discovery underscores the unique characteristics of fungi that set them apart from plants.
In summary, while mushrooms may be commonly associated with plants, their evolutionary history and distinct traits demonstrate a closer relationship to animals. The shared ancestry, differences in food sources, and similarities in texture provide compelling evidence for this unexpected connection between mushrooms and the animal kingdom.
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Ancient civilisations like the Romans and Egyptians revered mushrooms
It is believed that mushrooms first originated in ancient Africa, near the Ethiopian region, and then spread to other parts of the world. Over time, they became a significant part of the culture and cuisine of many ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians.
Ancient civilizations like the Romans and Egyptians revered mushrooms for their medicinal and nutritional properties. In ancient Rome, mushrooms were considered a delicacy and were often reserved for the wealthy and elite. Roman scholars and physicians, such as Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides, documented the use of mushrooms in medicine, describing their ability to aid digestion and treat various ailments. The Romans also believed that mushrooms possessed aphrodisiac qualities and incorporated them into their feasts and celebrations.
The Egyptians also held mushrooms in high regard, as evidenced by the tomb paintings and frescoes depicting mushrooms found in ancient Egyptian tombs and temples. Mushrooms were associated with immortality and were often included in the diets of pharaohs and nobility. Egyptian physicians, such as Galen, recognized the medicinal properties of mushrooms and prescribed them for various ailments, including inflammation and wounds.
The ancient Greeks had a similar fascination with mushrooms. They believed that mushrooms provided strength for warriors and included them in the diets of their athletes. The famous Greek physician, Hippocrates, who is often regarded as the father of modern medicine, also documented the medicinal uses of mushrooms, recommending them for nutritional and therapeutic purposes.
In addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, mushrooms also held spiritual and religious significance for ancient civilizations. Some cultures believed that mushrooms had the ability to connect them to the divine and used them in sacred rituals and ceremonies. Mushrooms were often associated with deities and were thought to possess magical and mystical properties, further adding to their revered status in ancient societies.
Overall, the Romans, Egyptians, and other ancient civilizations recognized the value of mushrooms and integrated them into various aspects of their culture, from cuisine and medicine to spirituality and art. Their appreciation for mushrooms has contributed to a rich history and a deeper understanding of the diverse roles that mushrooms have played throughout the world.
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Mushrooms were first cultivated in China and Japan around 600 CE
Mushrooms, the fleshy spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have been consumed by humans for hundreds of years. They are believed to have first evolved on Earth between 715 and 810 million years ago, much earlier than previously thought. The first mushrooms likely played a crucial role in the colonization of the Earth's surface by plants around 500 million years ago.
While the exact origins of mushroom cultivation are uncertain, it is believed that mushrooms were first cultivated in China and Japan around 600 CE. Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), in particular, are known to have been cultivated in these regions. This knowledge of mushroom cultivation was developed over centuries, and today, China remains a major producer of shiitake mushrooms.
In ancient times, mushrooms were considered a delicacy and were associated with royalty and the gods. For example, in ancient Greece and Rome, mushrooms were believed to be the food of the gods, while the ancient Egyptians reserved them for pharaohs. Additionally, archaeological evidence suggests that mushrooms were used for spiritual purposes as early as 10,000 BCE, with documentation of their use in various ancient cultures, including the Ancient Greeks, the Mayans, and the Vikings.
The study of mushrooms, known as mycology, has revealed their unique characteristics. Mushrooms are classified as fungi and are more closely related to animals than plants due to their respiration processes. They possess remarkable traits, such as the ability to "breathe" oxygen and "exhale" carbon dioxide, similar to humans. Additionally, mushroom spores are highly resilient, capable of surviving in the vacuum of space, and have a metallic purple outer layer that protects them from ultraviolet light.
Today, mushroom cultivation has evolved to meet the demands of consumers worldwide. While some mushrooms are still foraged from the wild, commercial cultivation techniques have been developed to produce a consistent supply. This includes the use of climate-controlled environments and specific growing conditions, such as indirect or shaded light, to optimize mushroom growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that are believed to have evolved between 715 and 810 million years ago. They are not fruits or vegetables, but rather the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground.
For centuries, people did not know how to cultivate mushrooms and relied on collecting them in the wild. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians considered mushrooms to be special, with the ancient Egyptians reserving them for pharaohs. The first references to mushroom cultivation date back to around 600 CE in China and Japan, where shiitake mushrooms were grown.
Mushrooms grow from underground mycelium, which is a complex network of fibres that can spread over large distances. Mycelium grows by absorbing nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. Mushrooms themselves can grow very quickly, with some species taking less than a day to grow from primordia to full-grown mushrooms.
The terms "mushroom" and "toadstool" were used interchangeably for centuries without precise definitions. "Toadstool" first appeared in 14th-century England to refer to poisonous fungi. Today, the standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom (*Agaricus bisporus*), which has a stem, a cap, and gills.
