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Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of fungi in ecosystems?
What is the primary role of fungi in ecosystems?
When did fungi first appear in the fossil record?
When did fungi first appear in the fossil record?
What type of symbiosis is characterized by the mutualistic relationship between fungi and animals?
What type of symbiosis is characterized by the mutualistic relationship between fungi and animals?
What is the estimated number of fungal species on Earth?
What is the estimated number of fungal species on Earth?
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What is the term for the process by which fungi collect and accumulate toxic elements like heavy metals?
What is the term for the process by which fungi collect and accumulate toxic elements like heavy metals?
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Where can fungi be found?
Where can fungi be found?
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What is the role of saprotrophic fungi?
What is the role of saprotrophic fungi?
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What is the primary source of energy and nutrition for fungi?
What is the primary source of energy and nutrition for fungi?
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What is the term for the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots?
What is the term for the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots?
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What is the term for the complex network of relationships between fungi, plants, and animals in ecosystems?
What is the term for the complex network of relationships between fungi, plants, and animals in ecosystems?
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What is the 'Wood Wide Web'?
What is the 'Wood Wide Web'?
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What is the primary function of mycorrhizas in ecosystems?
What is the primary function of mycorrhizas in ecosystems?
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What is the term for the process by which fungi break down necromass and recycle nutrients?
What is the term for the process by which fungi break down necromass and recycle nutrients?
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What is mycoheterotrophy?
What is mycoheterotrophy?
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What is the purpose of leaf-cutter ants' fungi farming?
What is the purpose of leaf-cutter ants' fungi farming?
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What is the evolutionary relationship between fungi and animals?
What is the evolutionary relationship between fungi and animals?
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What is the term for the mutualistic relationship between fungi and bacteria in ecosystems?
What is the term for the mutualistic relationship between fungi and bacteria in ecosystems?
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What is the role of lichens in ecosystems?
What is the role of lichens in ecosystems?
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What is the term for the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria?
What is the term for the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae and/or cyanobacteria?
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What is the economic importance of fungi?
What is the economic importance of fungi?
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Study Notes
Fungi Characteristics
- Heterotrophs: gain energy and nutrition from other organisms
- Present in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
Ecosystem Roles
- Decomposers: break down necromass, dead animals, and waste products
- Nutrient cycling: extract nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen
- Bioaccumulators: collect toxic elements like heavy metals
Symbiotic Relationships
- Plant-fungal symbiosis (e.g., Mycorrhizas, lichens)
- Animal-fungal symbiosis (e.g., mycophagy, fungal diseases)
- Multi-trophic symbiosis (e.g., plant-fungal-animal, plant-fungal-bacterial)
Fungal Evolution
- Appeared 1.5 billion years ago
- Terrestrial fungi existed 635 million years ago, before plants
- Estimated 2.2-3.8 million species, with 150,000 described species
Fungal Diversity
- Found in all ecosystems (Arctic to tropics, deserts to rainforests)
- Saprotrophs: decompose wood, leaves, and dung
- Pathogens: kill trees
- Mutualists: provide nutrients and protection from pathogens
Mycorrhizal Fungi
- Associated with 93% of angiosperms and 82% of vascular plants
- Engaged in nutrient exchange with plants (nutrient cycling, water uptake, protection)
- Ancient origins, enduring many cycles of global change
- Linked above and below ground
Mycorrhizal Networks
- "Wood Wide Web": multiple plant species connected by fungi
- Trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, and orchids connected
Other Fungi
- Mycoheterotrophic plants: steal carbon from fungi
- Saprotrophic fungi: use enzymes, acids, and metal ions to break down biomass
- Endophytic fungi: live inside plants (mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic)
Lichens
- Pioneer colonizers of rocky substrates
- Symbiosis between fungus, algae, and/or cyanobacteria
- Algae produce food via photosynthesis
- Wide distribution (Arctic to tropics)
Pathogenic Fungi
- Cause disease in target organisms
- Produce toxins, affecting food production and human health
Economic Importance
- Food: cultivated or harvested species are an essential part of diets worldwide
- Medicine: fungi produce antibiotic compounds (e.g., Penicillin, Cephalosporin)
- Manufacturing: uses in packaging, insulation, and leather production
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Description
Learn about the evolution and characteristics of fungi, their role in ecosystems, and how they contribute to nutrient cycling and decomposition.
