Daohugouthallus Temporal range:
168-152 Ma | |
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Simplified sketch diagram of the D. ciliiferus fossil holotype. | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
Family: | †Daohugouthallaceae X.L.Wei, D.Ren & J.C.Wei (2022) |
Genus: | †Daohugouthallus Wang, Krings & Taylor (2010) |
Species: | †D. ciliiferus
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Binomial name | |
†Daohugouthallus ciliiferus Wang, Krings & Taylor (2010)
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Daohugouthallus is a monotypic genus of lichen, known from fossils found in the Jurassic Haifanggou Formation near Daohugou village, Ningcheng County, China.[1] The genus contains a single species, D. ciliiferus. Although Daohugouthallus shows some relationships to the family Parmeliaceae, it is distinct enough for scientists to suggest its classification into its own family, Daohugouthallaceae.[2] Dated at approximately 165 million years ago, this macrolichen is thought to be the earliest fossil example of an epiphytic macrolichen, indicating it likely grew on gymnosperm plants.[2]