RIO DE JANEIRO, Jun 11 (Tierramérica).- The results are based on soil samples gathered under three species of trees. “These organisms carry out essential functions for the equilibrium of the ecosystem and could contribute to science and biotechnology. The data collected will aid their preservation,” biologist and head researcher Vivian Gonçalves Carvalho told Tierramérica.

Previous studies used laboratory cultivation methods, “but many species of fungus have specific nutritional demands and will not grow that way. Our records are more precise,” she added. Moreover, “the total number of species is probably much greater, considering the total area of the Mata Atlântica."

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