Adaptation of Pyrophilous Fungi to Post-Fire Ecosystems: The Role of Genome Evolution and Trait Trade-offs
Wildfires are increasingly altering ecosystems, creating unique niches for pyrophilous fungi. These fungi play critical roles in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. Understanding pyrophilous fungi genomic evolution is crucial for predicting their biogeochemical impacts in post fire environment. Our comparative genomics study of pyrophilous fungi reveals trade-offs between fast growth and aromatic C degradation gene enrichment, highlighting selective pressures shaping fungal specialization. We proposed complementary genome evolution mechanisms driving variation in aromatic C degradation and N acquisition genes: gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and sexual recombination. These insights advance our understanding of microbial specialization post fire and provide a foundation for future studies into the contributions of pyrophilous fungi to ecosystem resilience and recovery.