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Environmental Gradients Shape Fungal Diversity and Functional Traits in Arctic Biocrusts
Mia Rümenapp1, Burkhard Becker1, Ekaterina Pushkareva1
1Department of Biology, Botanical Institute, University of Cologne, Zuelpicher Str. 47B, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Arctic soil fungal communities in biological soil crusts (biocrusts) were analyzed. Fungal diversity was dominated by Ascomycota, with location, not elevation, significantly influencing community structure.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Arctic Ecology
- Soil Science
Background:
- Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in the Arctic support diverse fungal communities crucial for nutrient cycling and soil stabilization.
- Understanding fungal community dynamics is vital for predicting ecosystem responses to environmental changes in polar regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fungal community diversity and composition in Arctic biocrusts.
- To assess the influence of elevation and spatial gradients on fungal communities in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.
Main Methods:
- Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze fungal DNA from biocrust samples.
- Fungal communities were characterized across different elevations and locations within the fjord.
Main Results:
- Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum, with Basidiomycota and Rozellomycota also abundant.
- Saprotrophic fungi were the most prevalent functional guild, followed by mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi.
- Fungal genus richness and guild composition did not vary significantly with elevation, but location strongly influenced community structure.
Conclusions:
- Spatial location within the fjord is a key driver of Arctic biocrust fungal community structure.
- Fungal communities in Arctic biocrusts are resilient to elevational changes but sensitive to geographic positioning.
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