Abstract:
Physical samples of soil, rocks, wood, foodstuffs, air and artifacts were collected over the period of 2001-2006 from four sites in Ross Sea Region, including two sites with human impact (influence) and two sites with little human influence. The two sites of human impact include Cape Hallet and New Harbour. Cape Hallet (2005-2006), is the site of a large penguin colony, a large plant community
... consisting of mosses and lichens and the location of a research station from 1956 til 1973. It is the location of the first LGP study site from 2003-2006. New Harbour (2001-2002) is the site where a wooden crate, in 1959, was used for the transport of supplies and as a make shift cookhouse and work area by two New Zealand scientists. The two low human impacted areas were Mount Fleming (2001-2002) and Allen Hills (2003-2004). Both sites are remote and known locations of fossilized wood and coal. Fungi were isolated from these samples using a variety of techniques, media and temperatures. The results from these studies were used to determine fungal biodiversity, the impact of humans, and introduction of foreign fungi into a harsh environment and for comparison of fungal diversity between these sites and the Historic Era sites. The fungi isolated from these locations have been studied to determine adaption/survival strategies. All cultures are held in culture collections at The Universities of Waikato and Minnesota. 
