A previously unknown fungus to science was found in a project that involved hillwalkers collecting soil samples from Scotland’s mountains.
DNA was extracted from the soil samples and sequenced by researchers at the James Hutton Institute, in Aberdeen. A total of 2748 fungal species were found.
One of the more colourful fungal species found was a violet coral fungus.
As one scientist on the study remarked: “There are more living organisms in just one teaspoon of soil than people on the planet, and soil biodiversity has a hugely important role to play in the functioning of ecosystems.”
