Special Issue "Fungal Molecular Systematics"

Dear Colleagues,

Fungi are a distinct, diverse, and ecologically important branch of the tree of life. These hardworking organisms play a vital role in ecosystems as diverse as soil, leaves, rocks, and pelagic zones of the ocean, yet their roles are primarily enacted behind the scenes, literally as hidden layers within their substrate. Fungi are the second-most species-rich group after insects. Thus, it is more challenging to estimate the total number of extant fungi species than that of plants and animals. Fungi play key roles in ecosystems as decomposers, endophytes, mutualists, and pathogens. However, in most cases, the roles of individual fungi in nature are still unknown. Describing and understanding the natural roles of fungal species can help humankind to overcome fungal diseases and better utilize fungal resources. Fungi represent one of the most diverse groups of organisms on the earth, with an indispensable role in the processes and functioning of ecosystems. Despite the early embrace of molecular systematics by mycologists, both the discovery and classification of fungi are still in great flux, particularly among the more basal branches of the tree, whose true diversity is only now coming to light from genomic analyses and environmental DNA surveys.

Dr. Changlin Zhao
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• molecular systematics
• taxonomy
• novel taxa
• fungal diversity
• morphology