Análise da distribuição geográfica do gênero Cordyceps no Brasil: determinantes ambientais que levam à sua proliferação e o impacto cultural de The Last of Us

Abstract

Among the various fungai genera, Cordyceps stands out for its wide variety of species, including one capable of parasitizing insects. This makes it an important example for studies in Biogeography, Ecology, and even Medical Biogeography, as these fields together can investigate the distribution of such organisms and their interactions with the environment. Climate change is becoming increasingly present on our planet, and these phenomena contribute to altering the distribution of these fungi, facilitating and expanding their presence into new areas previously uninhabited by them. Fungi have a high capacity for adaptation and are therefore found in nearly all terrestrial environments and ecosystems. The central objective of this project is to analyze the geographical distribution of the Cordyceps genus, aiming to understand and study the factors that directly influence this distribution and which geographical and biogeographical factors favor its occurrence. A mixed-methods approach will be adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, including theoretical literature review, analysis of secondary data on climate and biodiversity, and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the distribution of these organisms. This research will also explore the visibility of pathogenic fungi in popular culture, particularly after the release and success of the video game and television series The Last of Us, aiming to highlight their role in raising public awareness about the importance of scientific research in this field. This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on the spread of fungai species and to reinforce the relevance of fictional narratives as tools for raising awareness about real-world issues. It seeks to promote learning and spark scientific curiosity, especially among young people, encouraging them to research and understand current global challenges.