This research explores how fungi adapt when they transition from living freely in the environment to living in partnership with termites. By studying fungal specimens collected over 240 years ago alongside modern samples, researchers discovered that fungi living with termites undergo significant genetic streamlining – losing genes they no longer need in their protected termite home. This is similar to how bacteria evolve when living inside insects. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps us understand how organisms adapt when forming partnerships in nature • Demonstrates the value of preserving historical specimens for modern research • Provides insights into evolution that could inform agricultural and medical applications • Shows how organisms can become dependent on each other over time • Reveals how protected environments can lead to loss of survival abilities