Marine exometabolites correlate with benthic fungal diversity and community structure in the South China Sea

Research on the diversity and community structure of marine benthic fungi is limited. This study explores the relationships between these fungal communities and key elements (carbon and nitrogen), abiotic factors (pH, salinity, and depth), and exometabolites, with a focus on the role of marine exometabolites. The findings demonstrate that exometabolites, particularly organic acids, significantly influence the structure of benthic fungal communities. These results enhance our understanding of successional processes within these communities and clarify the interactions between benthic fungi and exometabolites, offering valuable insights into the formation of marine benthic fungal communities.