Dimensions, diversity and ecology of aquatic mycobiome
Kandikere R. Sridhar
Abstract
Fungi being structurally, functionally and phylogenetically diverse, occupied a wide range of biomes worldwide. It is realized that evaluation of diversity, structure and function of fungal consortium (mycobiome) in an ecosystem will provide wider perspective. Assessment of core-group (major/keystone), less frequent (rare) and cryptic (hidden) fungi and their interaction in a biome will portray ecosystem functions more precisely. Aquatic mycota are overlooked in spite of their potential role in recycling organic matter, biogeochemical cycles, linking food webs and production of precious metabolites. Improved methodology and precision to understand the morphology, physiology, biochemistry, ecology and mutualism has driven the attention of mycologists and ecologists towards aquatic mycobiome recently. Aquatic mycota serve in the ecosystem as communities, hence their dynamics, spatiotemporal dimensions, mutual interactions and energetics will be of prime significance in ecosystem services. This contribution mainly emphasizes highlighting the dimensions, diversity, ecology and functions of filamentous fungi in different aquatic ecosystems.