Doctoral Dissertation Improvement: Tzeltal Maya Ethnomycology: Naming, Classification and Use of Macrofungi in Chiapas, Mexico

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Abstract 0079197This project will investigate Tzotzil Maya ethnoecological knowledge of macrofungi (mushrooms), an important dietary and medicinal element in this part of the world. Since Maya ethnomycological classification focuses almost exclusively on edible or useful species (in contrast to patterns for other plants and animals), mushroom species provide an opportunity for comparative analysis of the structure and function of general purpose and special purpose taxonomies, and how these affect behavior. The naming, classification, and use of mushrooms will be examined in order to understand how both environments and cultural contexts affect ethnobiological knowledge (cognitive variation in knowledge). Hypotheses concerning three competing models of folk biological classification will be tested. This study will also document the biodiversity and ecological requirements of mushrooms and contribute to our understanding of the ecological, dietary, medicinal and economic benefits of mushrooms.