Spatial and environmental factors influence AMF assemblages across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest - a biodiversity hotspot

The Atlantic Forest is the second largest tropical humid forest of the American continent, being considered a hotspot of biodiversity, susceptible to anthropic disturbances, affecting the biological communities above and below ground. Most of the factors related to modelling of AMF assemblages throughout the Atlantic Forest are unknown, limiting the predictive potential of future changes in the distribution of these fungi. Based on a literature review, we investigated the influence of spatial and environmental attributes on the distribution of AMF assemblage throughout the Atlantic Forest. Seventeen descriptors divided into three subcategories were established (1) spatial: latitude and longitude; (2) abiotic and (3) biotic. The AMF assemblage configuration, evaluated using k-means clustering and variation partitioning analysis, exhibited a spatial structure throughout the Atlantic Forest. Despite the predominance of the spatial factor, the habitat diversity across the entire Atlantic Forest, encompassing a variety of hosts and other attributes that respond less significantly, such as altitude and temperature, proves to be crucial in explaining the distribution and the high number of AMF species in this biodiversity hotspot. Anthropogenic disturbances can influence the distribution of AMF and reduce the potential ecosystem services provided by these fungi.