Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers report that fossilized entomopathogenic fungi from mid-Cretaceous amber reveal some of the oldest direct evidence of parasitic relationships between fungi and insects, suggesting that Ophiocordyceps fungi originated approximately 133 million years ago and underwent early host shifts that shaped their evolution.



Summary

Fossilized fungi discovered in mid-Cretaceous amber provide the oldest direct evidence of parasitic relationships between fungi and insects. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified entomopathogenic fungi, specifically suggesting the Ophiocordyceps fungi, originated around 133 million years ago. This discovery indicates a long history of parasitic interactions and early host shifts within Ophiocordyceps, which played a significant role in the fungi’s evolutionary trajectory. The findings offer valuable insights into the ancient ecosystems and the evolution of fungal parasitism on insects.

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