Recent Studies of Co-Evolutionary Relationships of Fossil Plants and Fungi: Success, Problems, Prospects
Н. П. Маслова, Anna V. Tobias, Тatiana M. Kodrul
Abstract
A study of the history of consortial relationships between plants and fungi facilitates our understanding of the patterns and processes associated with evolutionary history of the members of these two kingdoms, their ecosystem function, and the formation of existing biodiversity. This paper is a review of recent paleomycological research focusing on the analysis of its main directions, objectives and prospects. Here we consider the main preservation types of fossil micromycetes and their study using modern research techniques. The significance of paleomycological research for paleoecological interpretations and paleoclimatic reconstructions is discussed. We also focus on further improvements of the classification systems to damage types on plant fossils by different agents, particularly fungi.