Ancient Fungi Captured in Amber

Description

Fungi are ubiquitous organisms that occur as saprophytes, parasites and inquilines on living and dead plants and animals. The roles they play in our lives are substantial. Not only do they break down organic matter in the environment and are widespread parasites of plants and animals, including our own bodies, but they are important food items and components of fermentation in many industrial processes. Last but not least, they produce antibiotic drugs like Penicillin and are involved in the production of lysergic drugs such as acid diethylamide (LSD) which is synthesized from an Ergot fungus alkaloid. Because of their fragile nature, fungi are rarely preserved in sedimentary deposits. However, due to its preservative qualities, amber is one of the best media to study fossil fungi dating back to the time of the dinosaurs. Here we view and discuss some of these fascinating and rare fungal fossils captured in amber.

Chapters

1. Amber sources of fossil fungi

2. Origins and types of fossil fungi in amber

3. Look-alikes in amber

4. Using fungi as a source of nourishment

5. Pathogenic fungi

6. Bracket fungi, truffles and other perfect fungi

7. Leaf, seed, nematode-associated and human-beneficial fungi