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Mushroom Revival Podcast
Mushroom Spores in Prehistoric Poop with Dunia Urrego and Felix Pym
May 25, 2023
Dunia Urrego and Felix Pym discuss their research on prehistoric mushroom spores found in fossilized poop and sediments, revealing insights into biodiversity and extinction events. They explore the challenges of identifying specific spore species and the need for further research on megafauna extinctions. The podcast also delves into the life cycle of coprophyllus fungus spores and the preservation of microfossils in peat bogs and lakes.
01:09:40
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Quick takeaways
- Fungal spores found in prehistoric dung provide valuable insights into the timing and consequences of megafauna extinctions in the Colombian Andes.
- The loss of megafauna led to changes in vegetation composition, plant diversity, and increased fire activity.
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Research on Megafauna Extinction and Biodiversity in Colombian Andes
The research focuses on the extinction of megafauna, particularly large herbivores, in the Colombian Andes. The study utilized fungal spores found in prehistoric dung to establish the timing and ecological consequences of these extinctions. The researchers collected sediment samples from lakes and peat bogs and analyzed them under a microscope to identify the spores. By studying the abundance of co-profilous spores, they were able to determine the presence of large herbivores and track their decline. The study revealed two waves of extinction occurring approximately 23,000 and 11,000 years ago. The loss of megafauna had significant effects on vegetation composition and structure, leading to changes in plant diversity and increased fire activity. The findings emphasize the importance of protecting large animals and understanding the consequences of their extinction for biodiversity conservation efforts.
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