Diversity and functions of microscopic fungi: a missing component in pelagic food webs |
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| Authors: | Marlène Jobard Serena Rasconi Télesphore Sime-Ngando |
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| Institution: | 1. Laboratoire Microorganismes: Génome et Environnement (LMGE), UMR CNRS 6023, Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand II, 63177, Aubière Cedex, France
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| Abstract: | Fungi are a highly complex group of organisms of the kingdom Eumycota (i.e. the true-fungi) and other fungus-like organisms
traditionally studied by mycologists, such as slime molds (Myxomycota) and oomycota (Straminopiles or Heterokonts). They constitute
a significant proportion of the as yet undiscovered biota that is crucial in ecological processes and human well-being, through
at least three main trophic modes: saprophytism, parasitism, or symbiosis. In addition to direct benefit (sources of antibiotics)
or adverse effects (agents of disease), fungi can impact many environmental processes, particularly those associated with
the decomposition of organic matter. They are present in almost all regions and climates, even under extreme conditions. However,
studies have focussed mostly on economically interesting species, and knowledge of their diversity and functions is mainly
restricted to soil, rhizosphere, mangrove, and lotic ecosystems. In this study, we review the diversity and potential functions
of microscopic fungi in aquatic ecosystems, with focus on the pelagic environments where they often are regarded as allochthonous
material, of low ecological significance for food-web processes. Recent environmental 18S rDNA surveys of microbial eukaryotes
have (1) unveiled a large reservoir of unexpected fungal diversity in pelagic systems, (2) emphasized their ecological potentials
for ecosystem functioning, and (3) opened new perspectives in the context of food-web dynamics. In spite of persisting methodological
difficulties, we conclude that a better documentation of the diversity and quantitative and functional importance of fungi
will improve our understanding of pelagic processes and biogeochemical cycling. |
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