The Paleontology of North America

Chytrids from North America

> Chytrids | Other Fungi | "Lichens"

What are Chytrids? Like other fungi, the microscopic, thread-like chytrids have chitin in their cell walls to strengthen them. But unlike other fungi, their gametes (reproductive cells) have flagella and can move around freely. Although some forms are parasitic on plants or insects, most chytrids live in marine or freshwater environments.

First known fossil occurrence: Precambrian.

Last known fossil occurrence: Quaternary. This group has living relatives.

Fossils through time:
Choose a time period to see what life was like:

Quaternary
Tertiary
Cretaceous
Jurassic
Triassic
Permian
Carboniferous
Devonian
Silurian
Ordovician
Cambrian
Precambrian