Scientists believe that around 2 million undiscovered fungi species are lurking in the shadows of our planet. This remarkable discovery, however, is overshadowed by a stern warning: an alarming 75% of these organisms may be on the verge of extinction.

This revelation comes courtesy of the "State of the World's Plants and Fungi 2023 Report," a document that sheds light on a realm previously overlooked by researchers.

Fungi, often living concealed lives, have long eluded scrutiny, with only 155,000 species formally named until now.

A Closer Look at Fungi

Unlike animals and plants, fungi have remained largely enigmatic due to their covert lifestyles. These organisms exist in various forms, from thread-like structures to spore-producing mushrooms or bracket fungi.

Most fungi are multicellular, characterized by thin filaments known as hyphae, forming an intricate network called the "mycelium." On the other hand, yeasts, simple and spherical single-celled fungi, also contribute to this astonishing diversity.

The significance of fungi lies not only in their diversity but also in their omnipresence. Found in the air we breathe, within plants, animals, oceans, and beneath our feet in the soil, fungi play a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth.

From decomposing organic matter to forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, they are nature's unsung heroes.

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The Astonishing Numbers

The revelation of 2 million potential fungal species is a testament to the still largely uncharted territory of life on Earth. For centuries, estimates have ranged from a mere 250,000 to 19 million species.

With advances in scientific methodology and data analysis, researchers now assert that the actual number likely hovers around 2.5 million, with more than 90% of these fungi remaining undiscovered.

This revelation begs the question: Why have fungi remained hidden for so long? Unlike animals that can ingest food, fungi must absorb nutrition from their surroundings, necessitating a large surface-to-volume ratio and a moist environment. As a result, many fungi are concealed within their food sources or in humid habitats.

The Dark Side of the Discovery

While this newfound fungal world evokes excitement and curiosity among scientists, it is clouded by an ominous threat. The report unveils a startling statistic: 75% of these newly discovered species could face extinction.

The biodiversity crisis that has plagued our planet now extends its ominous shadow over these elusive organisms.

The Guardian tells us that of the vascular plant species identified in 2020, researchers found that more than 77% already met the criteria for being threatened, with 59% likely to become endangered, and 24% teetering on the edge of critical endangerment.

With approximately 100,000 as-yet-undiscovered vascular plant species, scientists anticipate that a third of them might face extinction.

In response to this looming crisis, the scientists behind the report propose a radical approach: treating all newly discovered species as threatened by default unless proven otherwise. This move emphasizes the urgency of protecting these newfound life forms before they vanish forever.

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(Photo: Tech Times Writer John Lopez)