fungi of antarctic
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7/25/2019 Fungi of Antarctic
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Book review
Fungi of the Antarctic: Evolution under Extreme Conditions,
G. S. de Hoog (Ed), Studies in Mycology, 51, Centraalbureau
voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2005,
ISSN 0166-0616, Pp. 79, Price V40 (paperback).
Where might you get rock-inhabiting fungi, human patho-
gens, fungi in cactus spines, plate tectonics, the Earths geo-
logical history and Mars all in one article? The reader will
find them all in the first of two papers in Studies in Mycology
51. This multi-authored paper (pp. 132, L. Selbmann, G. S.
de Hoog, A. Mazzaglia, E. I. Friedmann & S. Onofri) examines
the cryptoendolithic black fungi from Antarctica and what
fascinating reading it makes. The authors not only offer clas-
sical taxonomic studies, supported by illustrations and even
introducing a new genus (Cryomyces) and 2 new species to
add to the two in Friedmanniomyces(note the name), one new
and the other published earlier by Onofri (note the author),
but also molecular support for the treatment. The second
multi-authored paper (pp. 3376, de Hoog, E. Gottlich, G. Plata,
O. Genniloud, G. Leotta & J. van Brummelen) also includes
some of the headings above, but here one can also read about
the inhabitants of zooplankton- and fishless lakes in Antarc-
tica, single bird dropping nutrient flushes and fungi existing
under ice. Thepaper is dedicatedto the study of Antarctic spe-
cies ofThelebolus and relatives, which many will know from
fruitings on dung samples. Two new species are described,
but for the ordinary dung fungus T. stercoreusthere is a sur-
prise in store, as the authors think that names based on spore
number arefalse andthe species can have everything from 24-
2000 per ascus - perplexing? Molecular studies are, however,
used to substantiate the arguments and conclusion. A full list
of synonyms and material examined is given. In both papers
materials, sampling techniques and isolation methods are de-
scribed and supported with beautiful colour illustrations,
black and white figures, and also with DNA, PCR and sequenc-
ing techniques. There are also discussions on physiology and
possible evolution.
These are good reads, firstly emphasising that fungi have
colonized most, even all, of the most extreme habitats on
earth and, secondly, by allowing an understanding of evolu-
tion and evolutionary pressures. They also suggest the possi-
bility of mycologists swelling the coffers for research by
obtaining funding from outwith mycology, with the current
interest in Mars and potential biotechnological approaches.
But oh dear, it will be hard to live with the loss ofThelebolus
nanus etc.!
One small note - I am not so sure that Charles McIntosh,
who discoveredThelebolus lagopi, would have liked his beloved
Perthshire placed in England!
Roy Watling
Caledonian Mycological Enterprises,
Crelah, 26 Blinkbonny Avenue,
Edinburgh EH4 3HU, U.K.
E-mail address:[email protected]
0269-915X/$ see front matter
2005 The British Mycological Society.
Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.mycol.2005.11.007
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