BIO152H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 31: Polypore, Clavarioid Fungi, Hypha
Document Summary
Eukaryotes that grow as single cells or as large, branching networks of multicellular filaments. Along with land plants and animals, fungi are one of 3 major lineages of large, multicellular euks that occupy terrestrial environment. Fungi absorb nutrition from other dead or alive animals. Fungi that absorb nutrients from dead organisms are the world"s most important decomposers. Fungi and a handful of bacterial species are the only organisms capable of completely digesting both the lignin and cellulose that make up wood. Vast majority of fungi are mutualists (benefit host) Because they recycle key elements such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, fungi have a profound influence on productivity and biodiversity. Fungi that live in close associated with plant roots are said to be mycorrhizal. Fungi are critical to the productivity of forests, cropland and rangelands. Coal exists today because conditions were too acidic for fungi to do their job (decompose)
