Turnirs

Turnirs are a group of fungi that were historically classified together but are now understood to be a polyphyletic assemblage. This means that the term "turnir" does not represent a single evolutionary lineage. Instead, various unrelated fungal groups have been grouped under this designation due to shared macroscopic characteristics, such as the formation of fruiting bodies or certain growth patterns.

The term has seen varying usage in mycological literature. Traditionally, it might have encompassed a wide range of fungal species, some of which are now placed in distinct phyla or classes based on genetic and molecular evidence. For instance, what was once considered a turnir might now be recognized as a basidiomycete, an ascomycete, or even a member of a more basal fungal lineage.

The reclassification of many fungi previously referred to as turnirs has been driven by advancements in DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These modern techniques allow scientists to determine evolutionary relationships with greater accuracy, revealing that superficial similarities can be misleading. Consequently, the practical application of the term "turnir" in precise scientific classification has largely diminished, with mycologists now preferring to refer to specific, evolutionarily defined groups. Despite this, the term may still appear in older literature or in informal contexts.