Re: Why doesn't mold grow in cold climates?

Hey Elizabeth!

Your question on why doesn't mold grow in cold climates is a good one but actually somewhat misdirected. Molds (fungi) do indeed grow in cold climates they just grow very slow. Of the approximatley 230,000 known species of fungi, one variety or another can grow in temperatures ranging from -40 deg.F to as high as 235 deg.F. Those that grow in cold temperatures are known as cryophiles (cold loving). These are molds that actually like and prefer the cold temperature. However, as I mentioned they do grow slowly and the colder it gets, the slower they grow. To check this out, take a piece of bread and let it sit out on a table or counter for about an hour, then place it in a ZipLock bag and place the bag in the refrigerator. Watch it for several days (may take as long as two weeks) and see if anything grows. I think you will find out there are molds that will grow at the cold temperature of the refrigerator.

Try the web search term "cryophilic mold" and see if anything turns up.

Good luck with your science fair project. Please let me know how it turn out. I have a special interest in science fairs as I have been a science fair judge.

Mike C.