Characterization of Fungal Communities in Puerto Rican Caves Using ITS Sequencing

This study utilizes the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region to study the fungal diversity across seven caves in the northern limestone karst belt area of Puerto Rico: Cueva Alayon (ALA), Cueva Ensueno (ENS), Cueva Clara (CLA), Cueva de los Panes (PAN), Cueva Leon (LEO), Cuevas Catedral I and II (CAT), and Cueva Oscura (OSC). The main goal is to enhance the scientific understanding of fungal contributions to subterranean microbial dynamics and support conservation efforts.