Mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs set the stage for the giant fungus D. rex

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1. 1h ago

   Giant Prehistoric Fungus D. rex Discovered in China

   Scientists have discovered a giant fungus named Dianjunus rex, or D. rex, in a Chinese forest after farmers in Yunnan Province alerted researchers. The massive organism weighs nearly five pounds and features one of the world's tallest fruiting bodies, standing at half a meter tall or up to 20 inches. Researchers determined that this extreme and unique species is so distinct that it required an entirely new family. Its evolutionary lineage traces back about 65 million years, emerging right after the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

   Why it matters

   The discovery sheds light on how ecological niches were filled following the cataclysmic Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that eliminated three-quarters of Earth's plant and animal species. Finding a fungal giant with roots in that specific post-dinosaur timeframe raises intriguing questions about how ancient ecological catastrophes shaped fungal evolution. The organism's massive size and distinct evolutionary branch provide rare insight into the biological recovery period of the early Cenozoic era.

   What is confirmed

   • Farmers in Yunnan Province, China, alerted researchers to the humongous fungus.
   • Dianjunus rex mushrooms stand at half a meter tall.
   • The fungus grows up to 20 inches tall and weighs nearly five pounds.
   • The species is so unique it required a new family.
   • The lineage of D. rex dates back 65 million years, emerging after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

   What to watch next

   • Further genetic sequencing and analysis of the new fungal family
   • Additional field studies in Chinese forests to locate more specimens of D. rex
   Sources used for this update (12)

   1. CNN — Mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs set the stage for the giant fungus D. rex
   2. KING5.com — Giant 'D-rex' fungus found in China belongs to family dating back 65 million years
   3. SciTechDaily — Scientists Discover “D-Rex,” a Giant Fungus Unlike Anything Seen Before
   4. BBC Wildlife Magazine — Experts discover ancient, “extreme” species in Chinese forest – and name it 'D-rex'
   5. Yahoo — In China, scientists found a nearly 5-pound fungus so unique it required a new family
   6. IFLScience — When T. Rex Died Out, Another Monster Moved In – Meet D. Rex, A 65-Million-Year-Old “Fungal Giant” With One Of The World’s Tallest Fruiting Bodies
   7. NDTV — Scientists Discover Giant Fungus Named After T. Rex In China
   8. usvinews.com — Mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs set the ...
   9. www.sciencenews.org — After the dinosaurs died, the massive 'D. rex' fungus ruled ...
   10. www.techawave.com — Giant Fungus D. rex Emerges From Dinosaur Extinction Event
   11. www.sciencedaily.com — Chinese scientists discover “D-rex,” a giant fungus with ...
   12. en.wikipedia.org — Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event - Wikipedia
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