During the Brazilian Antarctic Operation XLI on Livingston Island, a Brazilian researcher identified four new species of Agaricales fungi. This marks the first time a Brazilian has classified macroscopic fungi in the Antarctic region.
The research focused on the diversity, taxonomy, and phylogeny of mushroom-shaped fungi, crucial for organic matter decomposition and soil health. The discovery significantly expands knowledge of the region's biodiversity.
A key finding was the complete morphological description of Galerina marginata, previously detected only twice in Antarctica. These fungi act as bioindicators, sensitive to environmental changes, aiding in understanding how organisms respond to extreme conditions and climate impacts.