Temperature and pH define the realised niche space of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are a globally distributed group of soil organisms that play critical roles in ecosystem function. However, the ecological niches individual AM fungal taxa poorly understood. We collected > 300 samples from natural ecosystems worldwide and modelled realised virtual (VT; approximately species-level phylogroups). found environmental spatial variables jointly explained VT distribution worldwide, with temperature pH being most important abiotic drivers, effects generally occurring at local to regional scales. While dispersal limitation could explain some variation distribution, relative abundance was almost exclusively driven by variables. Several on were correlated phylogeny, indicating closely related exhibit similar niche optima widths. Major clades within Glomeraceae exhibited distinct optima, Acaulosporaceae had low conditions, Gigasporaceae high precipitation conditions. Identification space occupied phylogenetic groups microbial provides basis for building detailed hypotheses about how communities respond gradients manipulation worldwide.