Aberdeenshire fossil dating back 410 million years joins museum collection

A 410-million-year-old Prototaxites fossil found in the Rhynie area of Aberdeenshire has been added to the National Museums Scotland collection and will be cared for at its Edinburgh collection centre.

A fossil identified as the giant organism Prototaxites, dated at about 410 million years old, has been added to the National Museums Scotland collections. It was discovered in the Rhynie chert near the village of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire by a local landowner. The specimen would have grown to roughly 8 metres (26ft) tall and would have towered over other early plants and animals. Researchers published a new paper reporting that this fossil supports the view that Prototaxites represent an extinct evolutionary branch distinct from fungi and plants. Key facts: - The fossil was found in a sedimentary deposit known as the Rhynie chert near Rhynie, Aberdeenshire. - The organism, Prototaxites, is estimated to be about 410 million years old and is reported to have reached around 8 metres (26ft) in height. - A recent research paper reports that the specimen shows anatomical and chemical characteristics distinct from fungi and plant life, supporting the idea of a separate, now-extinct evolutionary branch. - The fossil has been acquired by National Museums Scotland and will be kept and cared for at the museum's collection centre in Edinburgh. - Museum and university representatives noted the specimen's value for ongoing scientific study and the role of collections in supporting research. Summary: The fossil adds to National Museums Scotland's holdings and provides material that researchers say strengthens the case for Prototaxites as an extinct, distinct branch of life. Undetermined at this time.