Has the prehistoric ice-man contributed to the preservation of living fungal spores? |
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Authors: | W Gams JA Stalpers |
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Institution: | Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, PO Box 273, 3740 AG Baarn, the Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Abstract There are arguments against the conclusion drawn by Haselwandter and Ebner that fungal spores have survived for some 5300 years on hay padding in the leather boots of frozen body discovered in the Austrian Alps. According to cryobiological experience, long-term survival of fungal spores is very unlikely at temperatures fluctuating between zero and ?40°C. It is quite possible that living spores of these common species have recently reached this substratum. |
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Keywords: | Ice-man Absidia Chaetomium Fungal spore Longevity Cryobiology |
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