The Inner Workings of Mushroom Taxonomy

Nhu Nguyen presents "The inner workings of mushroom taxonomy: new mushroom species and how to describe them." Have you ever heard "that mushroom is being described" or "we are describing this species" and wondered what it really means? In his talk, Nhu will attempt to show the step by step process in which a mushroom is being described from field work, to communication with local collectors, to DNA sequencing, microscopic work, phylogenetic work, and finally manuscript preparation. He will show the detailed process on how DNA is really being sequenced when you send in a piece of a mushroom. Nhu will also present a live demonstration on how to build, read, and understand phylogenetic trees. There are two examples of two new species, one Russula and one Amanita, which is being described. The Russula is in the subnigricans group, and occurs in coastal California. The Amanita we will discuss has only been found in Santa Cruz!