Summarizing Ecology of Fungi

Summary

Fungi have colonized nearly all environments on Earth, but are frequently found in cool, dark, moist places with a supply of decaying material. Fungi are saprobes that decompose organic matter. Many successful mutualistic relationships involve a fungus and another organism. Many fungi establish complex mycorrhizal associations with the roots of plants. Some ants farm fungi as a supply of food. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism, usually an alga or cyanobacterium. The photosynthetic organism provides energy derived from light and carbohydrates, while the fungus supplies minerals and protection. Some animals that consume fungi help disseminate spores over long distances.

Glossary

arbuscular mycorrhiza

mycorrhizal association in which the fungal hyphae enter the root cells and form extensive networks

ectomycorrhiza

mycorrhizal fungi that surround the roots with a mantle and have a Hartig net that extends into the roots between cells

lichen

close association of a fungus with a photosynthetic alga or bacterium that benefits both partners

mycorrhiza

mutualistic association between fungi and vascular plant roots

soredia

clusters of algal cells and mycelia that allow lichens to propagate