Fungi play a vital and previously neglected role in the complex tapestry of marine ecosystems
Traditionally overlooked and underestimated, recent findings have put the spotlight on the profound importance of pelagic fungi (mycoplankton) as valuable members of oceanic pelagic ecosystems. Thanks to recent technological advances, the scientific community can now harness cutting-edge tools to uncover, characterize, and understand the abundance, diversity, and functional roles played by pelagic fungal taxa and communities within the oceanic realm.
“Pelagic fungi, previously overlooked, are found extensively throughout the water column in every ocean basin.”
The rise of pelagic fungi and their crucial role in oceanic ecosystems
I used to work in the marine ecosystems field and often wondered why I never heard of fungi in the ocean. It appears the old saw they weren’t there is hooey. This is likely to be a big deal in the future.
Fungi pretty much rule the planet. If they were to adapt to our warm body temperature we would be screwed. Their avoidance of it has saved warm blooded animals so far.