Ancient Fungus, Algae Discovered in Deep-Sea Mud | Ocean Drilling | LiveScience
The drillship JOIDES Resolution in port in Barbados, just before the start of the expedition in September 2011.
CREDIT: IODP/USIO, Jennifer Magnusson.
The story of life on Earth keeps getting stranger. Researchers report they've discovered dormant algae and a thriving community of carbon-chomping fungus deep beneath the ocean floor in 2.7-million-year-old mud.
Genetic evidence indicates the most deeply buried fungi are distinct from wind-blown relatives at the planet's surface, suggesting the fungal communities are ancient and isolated.
"We've found strong evidence that fungi are alive and active and in the sub-[...]
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Email Becky Oskin or follow her @beckyoskin. Follow us @OAPlanet, Facebook or Google +. Original article on LiveScience's OurAmazingPlanet.
Full article at livescience.com
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