Problem of fungal contamination in Precambrian palaeobiology: A cautionary note

Abstract

The paper deals with the problem of fungal contamination in palaeopalynological preparations specially from the Precambrian sediments. The vegetative and reproductive structures of extant fungal groups show a broad similarity in morphology with the morphotypes described from the Precambrian. The recent fungi when subjected to chemical treatment similar to palynological preparations (maceration) do not show major physical and morphological changes. Nine common fungal genera were selected for this study. It has been observed that they withstand hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid treatment without losing much of their morphocharacters. As these are common in soil profiles, one can easily be misled when they occur amongst macerated residues. This data serves as a cautionary note to all palaeobiologists and specially dealing with Precambrian material, where every new evidence is important in adding to the meagre knowledge.