We often think of fungi as thriving in warm, damp places where they decompose organic matter. But did you know that many kinds of fungus thrive in extremely cold environments? It’s true! Fungi are amazingly adaptable, and some species flourish in places like the Arctic and Antarctic. This challenges our assumptions about where life can exist.
So, does fungus die in cold temperatures? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. Some fungi are highly resilient and have developed fascinating strategies to not only survive but also actively grow and reproduce in sub-zero conditions. Let’s take a look at the physiological and ecological mechanisms that allow them to thrive where most other organisms would struggle.
To understand how fungus tolerates cold, it’s important to define two key terms: psychrophile and psychrotroph. Psychrophiles are organisms that love the cold. They grow best at temperatures of 15°C (59°F) or lower, with a maximum growth temperature around 20°C (68°F). Psychrotrophs, on the other hand, can grow at low temperatures, around 0°C (32°F), but prefer warmer temperatures for optimal growth.