Do you believe in “new” fungal species?
Abstract
Fungal taxonomy has undergone a transformation in recent decades, propelled by the advent
of molecular methodologies that have fundamentally reshaped traditional morphology-based
species delineation. This paper examines the progression of fungal classification systems, with
a focused discussion on integrative taxonomic frameworks, including Genealogical
Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) and coalescent-based methods.
These molecular advancements have revealed extensive cryptic diversity, as exemplified by
revisions within the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex. While DNA
barcoding—particularly through the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region—has accelerated
species discovery, the potential for taxonomic inflation highlights the need for robust multilocus and population-genetic analyses. The conceptualization of “new” fungal species is
critically evaluated through an eco-evolutionary lens, emphasizing the imperative for a
multidisciplinary synthesis of molecular, morphological, and ecological data. Furthermore, this
paper emphasizes the importance of equitable global access to molecular technologies and
infrastructural resources, particularly in biodiverse yet under-resourced regions such as India.
Such inclusivity is vital to fostering broader engagement in fungal systematics and ensuring
more comprehensive biodiversity assessment and conservation efforts.
URI
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