Recent advances in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on early diverging fungi

Abstract

Our understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of early diverging fungi has dramatically changed during the past 20 years. Early diverging fungi are comprised of the former Zygomycota, Chytridiomycota sensu lato, and the recently established group, Opisthosporidia. These lineages are pivotal to investigating the origin and early evolution of fungi. This review discussed the history and recent advances of taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of early diverging fungi, focusing on the Chytridiomycota sensu lato and Opisthosporidia lineages.