Macrinite forms in Pennsylvanian coals

Fungi are not as evident in Pennsylvanian coals as in younger Mesozoic or Cenozoic coals, however macerals formed through the interaction of fungi with woody and herbaceous precursors do occur. One example of this is in some forms of the maceral macrinite. This study analyzes macrinite forms from geographically distinct Pennsylvanian coals. The macrinite observed in this study is characterized by the presence of inclusions of other detrital macerals, indicative of ingestion and excretion, similar to that documented in macrinite of younger coals. This suggests that, while not all ecologic niches in the Pennsylvanian were filled in the same manner as in younger settings, similar processes (implying similar types of interactions between fungi, bacteria, and fauna) were producing similar products.