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| Thermal melanism theory states that dark-colored ectotherm organisms are at an advantage
at low temperature due to increased warming. This theory is generally supported for ectotherm
animals, however, the function of colors in the fungal kingdom is largely unknown.
Here, we test whether the color lightness of mushroom assemblages is related to climate
using a dataset of 3.2 million observations of 3,054 species across Europe. Consistent with
the thermal melanism theory, mushroom assemblages are significantly darker in areas with
cold climates. We further show differences in color phenotype between fungal lifestyles and a
lifestyle differentiated response to seasonality. These results indicate a more complex ecological
role of mushroom colors and suggest functions beyond thermal adaption. Because
fungi play a crucial role in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycles, understanding the links
between the thermal environment, functional coloration and species’ geographical distributions
will be critical in predicting ecosystem responses to global warming. | |
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