Fungi Kingdom

what is the habitat of a fungus

moist, cool, dark, terrestrial environments (soil, dead wood, decaying plants)

what is the structure of fungus?

cell walls have chitin

multicellular

contain hyphae - thin filaments

mycelium - network of hyphae growing in soil, wood, or dead to obtain nutrients

fruiting body - reproductive structure above ground

what is the fungus nutrition like

release digestive enzymes into environment to absorb broken down nutrients

most fungi are decomposers or sacrophytes

saprophyte

get food by absorbing dead or decaying matter from other organisms

what are the 4 ways of obtaining nutrition as a fungus

parasitic, predatory, mutualistic, saprobial

fungus reproduction

asexual and sexual

produce millions of spores from fruiting bodies

spores are carried (wind or water) and need to land in suitable conditions for germination

are fungus more closely related to plants or animals

animals - share phylogenetic DNA

how are fungi classified

by reproduction or structure of fruiting body

what is their phyla based off of

the type of reproductive structures or spores they produce

what is the role of a saprophyte

Saprophytes play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

what is the role of a parasitic fungi

Parasitic fungi obtain nutrients from living hosts, often harming the host in the process. They can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

what is the role of mutualistic fungi

Mutualistic fungi form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, providing benefits such as improved nutrient absorption and protection while receiving carbohydrates in return.

ex. lichen

explain lichen mutualistic relationship

fungi provide structure and protection while the cyanobacteria produces food

why does the imperfect fungi exist? why is it not a true phyla

fungi that reproduce asexually, lacking a known sexual stage in their life cycle.