Laura Smith
Mushrooms, the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, have been consumed and held in high regard by humans since ancient times. The earliest mushrooms may have evolved between 715 and 810 million years ago, according to fossil evidence, and they continue to play a significant role in various ecosystems and human cultures worldwide. With their unique characteristics and symbiotic relationships, mushrooms have captured the interest of scientists, chefs, and foragers alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Earth |
| First appeared | 715-810 million years ago |
| Evolved from | Fungi |
| Place of first appearance | Rocks in the Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Use in ancient times | Food of the gods in ancient Greece and Rome; reserved for pharaohs in ancient Egypt; used medicinally in China and Japan |
| First cultivation | Shiitake mushrooms were first cultivated in China around 800 years ago |
| Mention in a US cookbook | "The Virginia House-Wife," published in 1824 |
| Mention in ancient texts | The Roman philosopher Galen wrote about wild fungi; archaeological evidence of mushrooms used “spiritually” dates back to as early as 10,000 BCE |
| Use in modern times | Prized truffles from France or Italy; morels or golden chanterelles from the Gallatin Valley |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms may have evolved 300 million years earlier than previously thought
- The first mushrooms may have been partners for the first plants on Earth
- Ancient civilisations like the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese revered mushrooms
- Mushrooms were used spiritually as early as 10,000 BCE
- The earliest terrestrial fungus fossils were found in South China, 635 million years ago
Mushrooms may have evolved 300 million years earlier than previously thought
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The terms "mushroom" and "toadstool" have been used interchangeably for centuries, although "toadstool" generally refers to poisonous mushrooms. The standard variety is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. However, the term "mushroom" is also used to describe a variety of other gilled fungi, some of which have stems, caps, and gills, while others deviate from this standard morphology and have more specific names like "bolete", "truffle", "puffball", "stinkhorn", and "morel".
The study of mushrooms, called mycology, differs from biology and botany. Mushrooms are classified as fungi and are considered to be more closely related to animals than plants because they "breathe" oxygen and "exhale" carbon dioxide, and they contain no chlorophyll. Mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with plants, animals, and other fungi, as well as a parasitic relationship.
According to a study led by Steeve Bonneville from the Université libre de Bruxelles, the first mushrooms evolved on Earth between 715 and 810 million years ago, 300 million years earlier than previously believed. The fossilized remains of mycelium (a network of interconnected microscopic strands) were discovered in rocks from this time period in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These rocks formed in a lagoon or coastal lake environment, indicating that these ancient mushrooms may have been important partners for the first plants that colonized the Earth's surface around 500 million years ago.
This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth and prompts further investigation into even more ancient rocks to uncover the origins of the animal kingdom. The evolution of mushrooms and their role in the ecosystem, including their ability to communicate with trees and their potential impact on human intelligence, continue to be fascinating areas of study.
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The first mushrooms may have been partners for the first plants on Earth
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The earliest terrestrial fungus fossils, or at least fungus-like fossils, have been found in South China and date back to around 635 million years ago. However, a 2.4-billion-year-old basalt formation in South Africa contains filamentous fossils that form mycelium-like structures, suggesting that the origin of the Kingdom Fungi may be pushed back by over 1 billion years.
According to a study led by Steeve Bonneville from the Université libre de Bruxelles, the first mushrooms evolved on Earth between 715 and 810 million years ago, 300 million years earlier than previously believed. Fossilized remains of mycelium (a network of interconnected microscopic strands) were discovered in rocks from this time period in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These rocks formed in a lagoon or coastal lake environment, indicating a transitional area between water and land.
Professor Bonneville suggests that the presence of fungi in this transitional environment leads to the belief that these microscopic mushrooms were important partners of the first plants that colonized the Earth's surface around 500 million years ago. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that fungi have a symbiotic relationship with plants, animals, and other fungi, as well as a parasitic relationship. Furthermore, mycelium plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by secreting enzymes that help break down decaying organic matter and facilitating communication between trees.
While the specific mechanisms of mushroom evolution remain mysterious, with only 2% of species identified and fossils being rare and difficult to discern, Bonneville's study prompts a reconsideration of the timeline of organism evolution on Earth. The discovery of even more ancient rocks may provide further evidence of the microorganisms that played a foundational role in the animal kingdom.
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Ancient civilisations like the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese revered mushrooms
The origin of mushrooms can be traced back to ancient times, with the term "mushroom" having evolved from various forms used during the 15th and 16th centuries, such as "mushrom," "mushrum," and "musserouns." Ancient civilizations, including the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese, held mushrooms in high regard, integrating them into various aspects of their cultures.
The Romans, for instance, had a deep fascination with mushrooms, incorporating them into their cuisine and culture. Caesar's mushroom, Amanita caesaria, was a favored delicacy in ancient Roman cuisine. The Roman diet also included other varieties of mushrooms, such as Boletus mushrooms, truffles, and various wild Agaricus species. The Romans' appreciation for mushrooms extended beyond their culinary value, as they approached these fungi with a sense of flashy semi-glorious enthusiasm that reflected their cultural behavior.
The Egyptians also held mushrooms in high esteem, believing them to have sacred and divine connections. In ancient Egypt, the pillars of tombs were shaped like giant mushrooms, resembling species such as Amanita and Psilocybe. The Egyptian Book of the Dead further emphasizes the reverence for mushrooms, referring to them as "the food of the gods," "celestial food," and "flesh of the gods." Additionally, the Egyptians grew Psilocybe cubensis on barley, and the god Osiris was believed to personify entheogenic mushrooms. The Eye of Horus, a plant, may have been associated with the cap of an entheogenic mushroom, further highlighting the sacred significance of mushrooms in Egyptian culture.
Like the Romans and Egyptians, the Chinese also valued mushrooms for their medicinal and culinary properties. While specific details of their reverence may vary, ancient Chinese texts and traditions showcase the integration of mushrooms into their cultural practices.
Overall, these ancient civilizations recognized the importance of mushrooms, incorporating them into their beliefs, culinary traditions, and cultural practices, leaving behind a legacy that contributes to our understanding of the human-mushroom connection.
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Mushrooms were used spiritually as early as 10,000 BCE
The first mushrooms on Earth evolved between 715 and 810 million years ago, according to a study led by Steeve Bonneville from the Université libre de Bruxelles. The fossils of these ancient mushrooms were discovered in rocks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, dating back to a time when life on Earth's surface was just beginning to emerge.
As for the use of mushrooms by humans, it is believed that they have been foraged since prehistoric times. The use of mind-altering mushrooms, in particular, has been documented as early as 10,000 BCE, with archaeological evidence suggesting that they were used for spiritual and ritual purposes. These ancient rock etched murals, discovered in Northern Australia, depict psychedelic-themed illustrations, indicating that the consumption of psychoactive fungi was likely a significant aspect of early human societies.
Cynthia D. Bertelsen, in her book "Mushroom: A Global History," notes that the use of mushrooms in a spiritual context was not limited to a single culture or region. Archaeological evidence reveals that the Ancient Greeks, Mayans, and Vikings all had a history of using mushrooms in their respective traditions. Additionally, psilocybe mushrooms were used in Mesoamerica as early as 3,000 years ago for ritual, therapeutic, divinatory, and pleasurable purposes.
The relationship between humans and psilocybe mushrooms is further highlighted in the indigenous Central American artwork of the Maya and Aztec peoples. The Nahuatl language of these cultures named these mushrooms "Teonanácatl," which translates to "flesh of the gods." This nomenclature provides strong evidence of the spiritual significance attached to these fungi in ancient societies.
The ancient Chinese doctrine "Baopuzi," written by the Daoist philosopher Ge Hong between 283 and 343 AD, also describes the use of various intoxicating mushrooms, including psilocybe mushrooms, as a means to achieve immortality.
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The earliest terrestrial fungus fossils were found in South China, 635 million years ago
The evolution of mushrooms, or the kingdom Fungi, is still largely shrouded in mystery. While it was previously believed that the earliest mushrooms evolved between 460 and 810 million years ago, recent discoveries have shed new light on their origins. The earliest terrestrial fungus fossils, or at least fungus-like fossils, were found in South China and are approximately 635 million years old. This discovery suggests that these fungus-like organisms played a crucial role in oxygenating the Earth's atmosphere after the Cryogenian glaciations.
The fossils discovered in South China are not the only ancient remnants of fungi. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rocks dating back between 715 and 810 million years were found to contain fossilized remains of mycelium, a network of interconnected microscopic strands. These rocks formed in a lagoon or coastal lake environment, indicating that fungi were present during the early stages of life on the continents' surface.
The study of the South China fossils revealed that these fungus-like organisms may have contributed significantly to the Earth's atmosphere. During the Cryogenian glaciations, the Earth underwent significant climate changes, and these ancient fungi may have played a role in increasing oxygen levels. This hypothesis underscores the potential impact of these early organisms on the planet's ecological development.
Furthermore, the discovery of these fossils has prompted scientists to reconsider the timeline of life's evolution on Earth. By pushing back the origins of fungi, it raises questions about the interactions and dependencies between early organisms. The next steps in research will involve examining even older rocks to search for evidence of the microorganisms that laid the foundations for the animal kingdom.
The evolution of mushrooms and their ancient history is a fascinating area of study, and ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding of these unique organisms and their impact on the Earth's ecosystems and atmospheric conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are the fruit or fruiting body of a fungus that is usually hidden from sight, underground or in decaying wood. The earliest terrestrial fungus fossils have been found in South China and date back to around 635 million years ago.
Mushrooms are classified as fungi and are considered to be closer to animals than plants because they "breathe" oxygen and "exhale" carbon dioxide.
Some common types of mushrooms include white, brown, button, cremini, and portobello mushrooms, which are all of the species Agaricus bisporus. Other common types include shiitake and truffles.
Mushrooms grow from underground mycelium, which is a complex network of fibres that can spread over large distances. They grow differently from plants and animals because they only use cell division in the early stages of development.
Mushrooms are found all over the world, including in North America. The first reference to mushrooms in a U.S. cookbook was in 1824.
