Problem 14

Background and context

Fungi are heterotrophs that are non-motile (that is, they do not move) (they obtain food and energy from other organisms). Fungi are distinguished by their method of food acquisition: "extracellular digestion and absorption." They release digestive enzymes into the environment, which they subsequently ingest along with the nutrients produced by the enzymes. The majority of fungi are decomposers, meaning they feed on decaying organisms. Some fungi are parasitic, meaning they feed on living things.