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Published on: June 23, 2022
Rethinking plasticity in fungal resilience and ecosystem functioning
Amit Kumar1, Ido Rog2, John Klironomos3
1Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Fungi exhibit phenotypic plasticity, crucial for ecosystem functions during disturbances. This fungal trait varies by species and is influenced by evolutionary relationships, especially under extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of fungal communities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Fungi are known for their phenotypic plasticity, which helps maintain ecosystem functions despite environmental disturbances.
- Understanding how this plasticity differs across fungal taxa is critical for predicting ecosystem resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variation in fungal phenotypic plasticity across different species and evolutionary lineages.
- To determine the influence of environmental extremes on fungal community composition and function.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of fungal species responses to varying environmental conditions.
- Phylogenetic structuring of phenotypic traits was examined.
Main Results:
- Fungal plasticity is not uniform; it exhibits species-specific and phylogenetically structured patterns.
- The most significant variations in fungal responses occur under extreme environmental conditions.
- Fungal community composition is a key determinant of ecosystem functioning.
Conclusions:
- Fungal phenotypic plasticity is a complex trait influenced by species identity and evolutionary history.
- Environmental extremes can drive significant shifts in fungal communities, impacting ecosystem stability.
- Conserving diverse fungal communities is essential for maintaining ecosystem functions under environmental change.
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