Fungi

rhamphotheca:

Saccharomyces eubayanus

This is a yeast. Yeast are fungi. Found growing on beech trees in southern Chile, genetic tests show that its ancestors are a mysterious, long-sought species that was transported in the 15th century to Europe, where monks cross-bred it with yeasts used to leaven bread and ferment wine. The resulting hybrid supported fermentation at low temperatures, opening the tap to Bavarian lagers and six centuries of cold, refreshing beer. (via: Wired Science)

(read more: PhysOrg)

image: Diego Libkind, Institute for Biodiversity and Environment Research