Discovery of dark matter fungi in aquatic ecosystems demands a reappraisal of the phylogeny and ecology of zoosporic fungi

• Published in: Fungal ecology Vol. 19; pp. 28 - 38
• Main Authors: Grossart, Hans-Peter, Wurzbacher, Christian, James, Timothy Y., Kagami, Maiko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2016
• Subjects: aquatic ecosystems; aquatic food webs; aquatic fungi; aquatic habitat; Aquatic habitats; biogeochemistry; biogeography; Chytridiomycota; Dark matter fungi; ecological function; ecophysiology; Fungal physiology and ecology; Fungal tree; genomics; phylogeny; Rozellomycota; Zoosporic fungi; Fungal tree; Dark matter fungi; Rozellomycota; Chytridiomycota; Fungal physiology and ecology; Zoosporic fungi; Aquatic habitats
• ISSN: 1754-5048
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2015.06.004

Our knowledge of zoosporic fungal phylogeny, physiology, and ecological functions, in particular their role in aquatic food web dynamics and biogeochemistry, is limited. The recent discovery of numerous dark matter fungi (DMF), i.e., uncultured and poorly known taxa belonging to early diverging branches of the fungal tree (namely the Rozellomycota and Chytridiomycota) calls for reconsideration of the phylogeny and ecology of zoosporic fungi. In this opinion paper, we summarize the exploration of new, recently discovered lineages of DMF and their implications for the ecology, evolution, and biogeography of the rapidly growing fungal tree. We also discuss possible ecological roles of zoosporic fungi in relation to recent methodological developments including single cell genomics and cultivation efforts. Finally, we suggest linking explorative with experimental research to gain deeper insights into the physiology and ecological functioning of zoosporic fungi DMF in aquatic habitats. •Fungal biodiversity in aquatic habitats is largely unexplored.•DMF seem to contribute a large proportion to biodiversity and metabolic potential.•Parasitic and saprophytic DMF play a crucial role in organic matter cycling.•Parasitic DMF potentially structure and control aquatic food web dynamics.•Lack of important ecological information, especially of DMF such as Rozellomycota.