Before trees dominated the landscape, a massive fungus ruled the Earth.

Nature · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Around 420 million years ago, the largest living organism on land was not a plant or animal, but a giant fungus. This video explores the mysterious Prototaxites, a pioneer species that helped pave the way for terrestrial life.

Long before forests covered the planet, Prototaxites stood as a towering presence in the ancient landscape. Growing slowly, this organism feasted on decaying matter, establishing a critical role in early land ecosystems.

These fungi were essential pioneers, creating the conditions necessary for more complex life to eventually thrive on land. Their existence highlights the often-overlooked importance of fungi in the history of our planet's biological development.

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