Biogeography
Biogeographical patterns have been highlighted in previous studies
by the PI of Cookeina (Pfister, 1973b) and Wynnea
(Pfister, 1979), and are currently being studied in the putatively
monotypic genus Chorioactis. Few fungal groups are well
enough known to have attracted the attention of biogeographers
(but see, e.g., Peterson, 1976; Rehead, 1989; Tulloss et al.,
1992). We are hopeful that the proposed monographic and phylogenetic
studies will make it possible to interpret broad biogeographic
patterns in Sarcoscyphineae. The group is widespread in both
temperate and tropical regions, and some individual species appear
to be exceptionally widespread; others, at least based on present
knowledge, have narrowly restricted ranges. It appears, based
upon preliminary studies, that there may have been a split between
Northern and Southern Hemisphere groups, a possibility which our
phylogenetic studies will allow us to test.