m y c o l o g i s t 2 0 ( 2 0 0 6 ) 40

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journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/mycol

Book review
Fungi of the Antarctic: Evolution under Extreme Conditions,
G. S. de Hoog (Ed), Studies in Mycology, 51, Centraalbureau
voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2005,
ISSN 0166-0616, Pp. 79, Price V40 (paperback).
Where might you get rock-inhabiting fungi, human pathogens, fungi in cactus spines, plate tectonics, the Earths geological history and Mars all in one article? The reader will
find them all in the first of two papers in Studies in Mycology
51. This multi-authored paper (pp. 132, L. Selbmann, G. S.
de Hoog, A. Mazzaglia, E. I. Friedmann & S. Onofri) examines
the cryptoendolithic black fungi from Antarctica and what
fascinating reading it makes. The authors not only offer classical taxonomic studies, supported by illustrations and even
introducing a new genus (Cryomyces) and 2 new species to
add to the two in Friedmanniomyces (note the name), one new
and the other published earlier by Onofri (note the author),
but also molecular support for the treatment. The second
multi-authored paper (pp. 3376, de Hoog, E. Gottlich, G. Plata,
O. Genniloud, G. Leotta & J. van Brummelen) also includes
some of the headings above, but here one can also read about
the inhabitants of zooplankton- and fishless lakes in Antarctica, single bird dropping nutrient flushes and fungi existing
under ice. The paper is dedicated to the study of Antarctic species of Thelebolus and relatives, which many will know from
fruitings on dung samples. Two new species are described,
but for the ordinary dung fungus T. stercoreus there is a surprise in store, as the authors think that names based on spore
number are false and the species can have everything from 242000 per ascus - perplexing? Molecular studies are, however,

used to substantiate the arguments and conclusion. A full list

of synonyms and material examined is given. In both papers
materials, sampling techniques and isolation methods are described and supported with beautiful colour illustrations,
black and white figures, and also with DNA, PCR and sequencing techniques. There are also discussions on physiology and
possible evolution.
These are good reads, firstly emphasising that fungi have
colonized most, even all, of the most extreme habitats on
earth and, secondly, by allowing an understanding of evolution and evolutionary pressures. They also suggest the possibility of mycologists swelling the coffers for research by
obtaining funding from outwith mycology, with the current
interest in Mars and potential biotechnological approaches.
But oh dear, it will be hard to live with the loss of Thelebolus
nanus etc.!
One small note - I am not so sure that Charles McIntosh,
who discovered Thelebolus lagopi, would have liked his beloved
Perthshire placed in England!
Roy Watling
Caledonian Mycological Enterprises,
Crelah, 26 Blinkbonny Avenue,
Edinburgh EH4 3HU, U.K.
E-mail address: e96kri69@compuserve.com
0269-915X/$ see front matter
2005 The British Mycological Society.
Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.mycol.2005.11.007