August 2001 PMID 11498589

Molecular evidence for the early colonization of land by fungi and plants.

D S Heckman, D M Geiser, B R Eidell, R L Stauffer, N L Kardos, S B Hedges

Mentions

18
Peak: 5 in May 2023
across 4 sources since May 2013

Extended reach

64,848
potential audience

Total likes

2,235

Video views

58,598

Mentions per month

May 2013 – Feb 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News9 articles
  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The group's engagement revolves around questioning the evidence for early land colonization by fungi and plants, with examples like the inquiry about sedimentary records and the importance of symbiosis in lichens, which highlight a curiosity driven by the publication's implications. The tone balances scientific inquiry with some skepticism, emphasizing the importance of fossil and molecular evidence.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

The posts show a mix of curiosity and skepticism, with some questions about the evidence and timelines, leading to a neutral agreement level.

InterestModerate interest

There is moderate interest reflected by questions about land colonization and symbiosis, indicating curiosity about the topic.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts engage with the scientific discussion by raising questions and sharing ideas, suggesting moderate depth of involvement.

ImpactNeutral impact

Overall, the discussions do not seem to have significant influence but contribute to ongoing scientific curiosity.

Abstract in brief

  • The colonization of land by fungi and plants likely involved a symbiotic relationship between photosynthetic organisms (like algae or early plants) and fungi, though the exact timing is uncertain.
  • Fossil evidence shows that the first land plants and fungi appeared around 480 to 460 million years ago, but molecular data suggest that land colonization may have actually started roughly 600 million years ago.
  • Molecular studies indicate that green algae and major fungal groups existed about 1000 million years ago, and land plants may have emerged by 700 million years ago, potentially impacting Earth's atmosphere, climate, and animal evolution during the Precambrian period.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Cody Mason, Ph.D
@CosyNomad · X

Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What about fungi? Related, if not, why do folks hypothesize the lack or preservation? https://t.co/vePm5S6EuU

May 29, 2023 · 17 likes · 4 shares · 2,910 followers View post →
Pepijn
@Pepsart · X

@BANDO_300 @garshmo @loversinfilm Plants and fungi symbiosis (like lichen) is where it's at. It's actually probable that they colonized the land at the same time, instead of fungi being way ahead of plants. Source: https://t.co/4MAjwR2AFC I mean, lichen grow fine on bare rocks, that's some hardy organism.

Nov 27, 2021 · 1 like · 294 followers View post →
Sabin Zahirovic
@tectonicSZ · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 30, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,199 followers View post →
flatcrank
@flatcrank3 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 29, 2023 · 4 shares · 859 followers View post →
Nicole Robertson
@NicoleR56426190 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 29, 2023 · 4 shares · 823 followers View post →
Jonathan Pye
@JonathanPye6 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 30, 2023 · 4 shares · 36 followers View post →

All mentions

The Dead And The Decaying
@soundmirrors.bsky.social · Bluesky

Life is bad for the Environment youtu.be/Kv-SD__ea3A

Feb 16, 2025 View post →
Sabin Zahirovic
@tectonicSZ · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 30, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,199 followers View post →
Jonathan Pye
@JonathanPye6 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 30, 2023 · 4 shares · 36 followers View post →
Nicole Robertson
@NicoleR56426190 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 29, 2023 · 4 shares · 823 followers View post →
flatcrank
@flatcrank3 · X

RT @CosyNomad: Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What ab…

May 29, 2023 · 4 shares · 859 followers View post →
Cody Mason, Ph.D
@CosyNomad · X

Uneducated #Paleontology question: is there evidence in the sedimentary record of land plants before the Paleozoic? What about fungi? Related, if not, why do folks hypothesize the lack or preservation? https://t.co/vePm5S6EuU

May 29, 2023 · 17 likes · 4 shares · 2,910 followers View post →
Pepijn
@Pepsart · X

@BANDO_300 @garshmo @loversinfilm Plants and fungi symbiosis (like lichen) is where it's at. It's actually probable that they colonized the land at the same time, instead of fungi being way ahead of plants. Source: https://t.co/4MAjwR2AFC I mean, lichen grow fine on bare rocks, that's some hardy organism.

Nov 27, 2021 · 1 like · 294 followers View post →
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