With reference to the recent discovery of new fungi species in Maharashtra, consider the following statements: 1. Hymenagaricus indicus and Xanthagaricus nigrosquamosus were discovered in the Matheran Hills of the Western Ghats. 2. The classification of these species was based strictly on molecular DNA analysis, bypassing traditional morphological studies. 3. As macrofungi, these species play a vital role in nutrient cycling within their tropical forest ecosystems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question

Accepted Answer

C) 1 and 3 only — Statement 1 is correct as the species were discovered in the Matheran Hills. Statement 2 is incorrect because the identification was based on a combination of morphological evidence and molecular DNA analyses, not molecular data alone. Statement 3 is correct as fungi are primary decomposers crucial for nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

New Fungi Species Found in Maharashtra

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