Millions of unknown species of fungi exist around the world.

Although its diversity is threatened, scientists say there is still millions of unknown species of fungi. To do this, researchers from the Finnish University of Jyväskylä examined air samples for spores of mushrooms in the Black Forest and worldwide, the press office of the Black Forest National Park in Seebach, Baden-Württemberg, announced on Monday.

The results of testing samples conducted at 47 locations around the world were published in the scientific journal “Nature”.

Between 2018 and 2019, air spore collectors inhaled air at Wilden See near Baiersbronn in the Freudenstadt district for two days a week for one year. The samples were examined in Finland.

Scientists have found that species diversity and the composition of fungal communities depend primarily on average annual air temperature.

Since a large proportion of fungi are spread through the air, the study included not only edible mushrooms such as porcini and button mushrooms, but also lichens, moulds and yeasts.

The air is “full of DNA from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, mammals and other organisms” and is therefore a treasure trove for biodiversity research, said scientist Nerea Abrego from the University of Jyväskylä, who led the scientific study.

the(epd, Black Forest National Park)