Citation
The Paleozoic origin of enzymatic lignin decomposition reconstructed from 31 fungal genomes
TL;DR
White rot fungi evolved ~290 million years ago with the capacity to degrade lignin
This landmark study demonstrated that lignin-degrading white rot fungi evolved approximately 290 million years ago, coinciding with the end of Carboniferous coal formation. Before these decomposers evolved, dead trees accumulated without being broken down - creating the coal deposits we mine today.
This provides powerful evidence for the chapter's argument that decomposition is essential for ecosystem function. Without effective decomposers, nutrients remain locked in dead biomass indefinitely. Organizations face the same risk: without deliberate decomposition, failed initiatives accumulate as 'organizational litter' that traps resources.
Key Findings from Floudas et al. (2012)
- White rot fungi evolved ~290 million years ago with the capacity to degrade lignin
- The evolution of lignin-degrading enzymes coincided with the end of large-scale coal formation
- Before these decomposers evolved, dead wood accumulated for millions of years without decomposing