Ochroconis lascauxensis
| Ochroconis lascauxensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | O. lascauxensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ochroconis lascauxensis A.Nováková & P.M.Martin-Sanchez (2012)
| |
Ochroconis lascauxensis is a species of
cave paintings on the walls of the cave. Along with the discovery of Ochroconis lascauxensis, the closely related Ochroconis anomala was also discovered on the paintings. The black stains that they caused first began being observed in 2001 and spread so far that they were considered to be a large concern by 2007.[1]
Along with its sibling species, Ochroconis lascauxensis was selected on May 22, 2013, by the International Institute for Species Exploration, located at Arizona State University, as one of the "Top 10 New Species" that had been discovered in 2012. The winners were selected from among a pool of more than 140 nominees. The two fungi were chosen because of their importance in relation to properly conserving the cave painting at Lascaux.[2]
History
After first being observed in the early 2000s, a number of treatments involving
biocides were conducted to try to remove the fungal species, though they ultimately proved ineffective. The species was identified by using a genomic DNA study to compare its genetic structure to those of other species within the genus Ochroconis. Once confirmed, a method using a PCR assay was done to determine how extensive the species had spread throughout the cave system. It was ultimately determined that Ochroconis lascauxensis was to be found in every cave compartment within Lascaux Cave.[3]
A biocide treatment was attempted, involving
diversity.[4]
References
- PMID 22559918.
- ^ Leander, Sandy (May 23, 2013). "Scientists announce top 10 new species for 2013". ASU News. Arizona State University. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
- PMID 23220137.
- ISBN 978-1-4614-5206-5. Retrieved August 8, 2013.
External links
- "A Smudge on Paleolithic Art". 2013 Top 10 New Species List. The International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University. Archived from the original on 2013-06-07. Retrieved 2013-07-15.