Do you believe in �new� fungal species?
Abstract
Fungal taxonomy has undergone a transformation in recent decades, propelled by the adventof molecular methodologies that have fundamentally reshaped traditional morphology-basedspecies delineation. This paper examines the progression of fungal classification systems, witha focused discussion on integrative taxonomic frameworks, including GenealogicalConcordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) and coalescent-based methods.These molecular advancements have revealed extensive cryptic diversity, as exemplified byrevisions within the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex. While DNAbarcoding�particularly through the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region�has acceleratedspecies discovery, the potential for taxonomic inflation highlights the need for robust multi-locus and population-genetic analyses. The conceptualization of �new� fungal species iscritically evaluated through an eco-evolutionary lens, emphasizing the imperative for amultidisciplinary synthesis of molecular, morphological, and ecological data. Furthermore, thispaper emphasizes the importance of equitable global access to molecular technologies andinfrastructural resources, particularly in biodiverse yet under-resourced regions such as India.Such inclusivity is vital to fostering broader engagement in fungal systematics and ensuringmore comprehensive biodiversity assessment and conservation efforts
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