Fungi are estimated to have evolved at least 1.2 to 1.5 billion years ago.
This estimation is based on DNA analysis, which traces all known fungi back to a single common ancestor. The earliest fungi likely thrived in aquatic environments and possessed flagella.
The following summarizes the evolution timeline:
- Earliest Ancestor: The most recent common ancestor of fungi existed between 1.2 and 1.5 billion years ago.
- Aquatic Origins: These early fungi were likely aquatic organisms.
- Flagella Presence: They probably possessed flagella.
