Fortschritte und Probleme bei der Artabgrenzung von Pilzen

Thorsten LUMBSCH (Chicago): Understanding delimitations of species is crucial for ecological and conservation studies, assessments of biotic diversity, and identifying factors driving diversification. Estimates suggest that the vast majority of fungal species are currently unknown. There is mounting evidence that a substantial number of unrecognized fungal species are likely hidden within traditional phenotype-based species in lichen-forming fungi. Molecular genetics has revolutionized our ability to assess traditional species concepts and provides additional tools for robust species delimitation. Although in some cases molecular research has verified traditional hypotheses, repeatedly data show that our current interpretation of morphological and chemical characters is inadequate to accurately characterize diversity. While finding and applying the appropriate character sets and analytical tools remains one of the greatest challenges to empirical species delimitation in lichen-forming fungi, there is strong indication that the inclusion of molecular data in species circumscription is crucial to establish robust hypotheses of species boundaries in fungi.