Survey of Costa Rican Wood-inhabiting Pyrenomycetes

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This project will survey the pyrenomycete fungi of Costa Rica. These fungi are small and inconspicuous, but are an integral part of all forests and other ecosystems since they are intimately involved with such basic processes as nutrient cycling and decomposition of organic matter. Information on the diversity, systematics, and biogeography of pyrenomycetes is fragmentary, and surveys in most areas of the world are critically needed. Five areas within Costa Rica will be surveyed (Amistad Caribe, Amistad Pacifico, Arenal, Osa, Tempisque), and ecompass most of the ecosystems in Costa Rica. US and Costa Rican researchers and students will be trained by the principal investigators, and an on-line specimen-based database will be made available through the web.