Abstract
In recent years the igneous oceanic crust has been recognized as a substantial microbial habitat and a scientific frontier within Geology, Biology, and Oceanography. A few successful metagenomic investigations have indicated the presence of Archaea and Bacteria, but also fungi in the subseafloor igneous crust. A comprehensive fossil record supports the presence of fungi in these deep environments and provides means of investigating the fungal presence that complements metagenomic methods. Considering the vast volume of the oceanic crust and that it is the largest aquifer on Earth, we put forward that it is the largest fungal habitat on the planet. This review aims to introduce a yet unexplored fungal habitat in an environment considered extreme from a biological perspective. We present the current knowledge of fungal abundance and diversity and discuss the ecological role of fungi in the igneous oceanic crust.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
