Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

This Reprint compiles a selection of peer-reviewed articles focused on extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi—organisms capable of surviving and thriving under severe environmental conditions such as high salinity, desiccation, radiation, extreme pH, or the presence of toxic compounds. These fungi are attracting increasing attention due to their remarkable physiological traits and their potential roles in biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental resilience, among other fields. The Reprint brings together contributions that explore the diversity, taxonomy, phylogeny, ecology, and functional biology of extremotolerant fungi. Several papers examine their mechanisms of stress tolerance and metabolic versatility, while others focus on ecological interactions, including plant symbiosis, degradation of pollutants, and adaptation to extreme or contaminated habitats. The collection highlights the relevance of these fungi as model systems for understanding eukaryotic life at the edge and as sources of novel enzymes and metabolites. By showcasing recent advances from multiple disciplines, this Reprint aims to provide a curated glimpse into selected areas of current interest within the rapidly expanding field of fungi from extreme environments. It is intended for researchers and professionals in fungal biology, microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and applied biotechnology, serving as a valuable reference point for future studies in this expanding field.