2015 REU Poster: Exploring the Chemical Mechanisms of Fungal Succession

Abstract

Decomposition of dead organic matter (i.e. litter) is driven by diverse communities of decomposer fungi that turn over regularly and frequently during the course of decay. The mechanisms by which decomposer communities assemble, and how the assembly process influences eco-system-level biogeochemistry, are unclear. Our objective was to determine the processes that give rise to consistent patterns of dominance during succession in diverse decomposer communities.