Climate impacts on fungal community and trait dynamics

Abstract Although climate change and variability can impact fungal phenology, the effects on community composition are less understood. Additionally, climatic variability might modify trait selection in fungi, including spore size and dispersal characteristics. Compositional and trait modifications of fungal communities would have important consequences for fungal biogeography, interactions with plant communities, and ecosystem functions. In this study, we analysed long-term fungal sporocarp community structure and dynamics in response to climate change and variability. We tested whether observed changes in the fungal sporocarp community related to climate, temporal or spatial differences among plots. Fungal trait associations with climatic variables were tested. Climate and endogenous patterns of succession each significantly affected composition, with regional variance in the affecting climate variables. Evidence for climate-driven reproductive trait selection related to spore dimensions, spore-bearing surfaces, and mode of fungal nutrition. Future research should then prioritize examining the impacts of climate on spore production and dispersal, plus other fungal traits.