The Economic Times

400-million-year-old organism grew 8 metres tall, confusing scientists for 165 years. It may belong to a lost branch of life

A mysterious organism that grew up to 8 metres tall around 400 million years ago has puzzled scientists for more than 165 years. Known as Prototaxites, it was initially mistaken for a tree and later classified as a possible giant fungus. However, a new study published in Science challenges the fungal theory after researchers examined its microscopic anatomy and chemical composition. The findings suggest that the organism may belong to an entirely extinct branch of life.