Ecological Roles of Fungi & Animal Evolution

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to fungal diversity, ecological roles, and animal evolution.

Fungi

A group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.

Saprophytes

Organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.

Lignin

A complex organic polymer found in cell walls of plants, making them rigid.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic material, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem.

Symbiosis

An interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, often to the benefit of both.

Mycorrhizae

A symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that enhances nutrient uptake.

Endophytes

Fungi that live inside plant tissues and can enhance plant resistance to stress.

Nitrification

The process of converting ammonium into nitrates or nitrites by bacteria in the soil.

Ammonification

The process of decomposing organic nitrogen into ammonium.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi

Fungi that form a sheath around plant roots and improve nutrient exchange.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Fungi that penetrate the cell walls of plant roots, enhancing nutrient absorption.

Chitin

A biopolymer that forms the cell wall of fungi, providing structural support.

Parasitic fungi

Fungi that feed on a living host, extracting nutrients at the host's expense.

Fungal spores

Reproductive units of fungi that can be dispersed and germinate to form new individuals.

Bilateral symmetry

A body plan in which the left and right sides of an organism are mirror images.

Diploblasts

Animals with two germ layers: ectoderm and endoderm.

Triploblasts

Animals with three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Coelom

A fluid-filled body cavity lined by mesoderm, allowing for organ development.

Cephalization

The concentration of sensory organs and nervous tissue at the front end of an organism.

Protostome

Animals in which the mouth develops from the blastopore during embryonic development.

Deuterostome

Animals in which the anus develops from the blastopore during embryonic development.

Cambrian explosion

A period around 550 million years ago marked by rapid diversification of animal life.

Homoplasy

The presence of similar traits in different species that did not arise from a common ancestor.

Evolutionary development

The changes in species over time through processes like natural selection and genetic drift.

Hominin

A group that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives.

Adaptation

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Radiation

The rapid diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches.

Nervous system

A complex network of neurons and supportive cells regulating bodily functions and responses.

Muscle cells

Cells that can contract and produce movement.

Monophyletic

A group of organisms that consists of all the descendants of a common ancestor.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species.

Embryonic tissue layers

The layers formed during embryonic development that give rise to different tissues and organs.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that develops into the lining of the digestive tract.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer that develops into skin and the nervous system.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that develops into muscle, bone, and other internal organs.

Fossil record

The history of life as documented by fossils, which provide evidence of past organisms.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular ecosystem or the entire planet.

Gene flow

The transfer of genetic variation from one population to another.

Evolution of predation

The development of predator-prey relationships that drive evolutionary change.

Nutritional modes

Various ways organisms obtain food, including autotrophy and heterotrophy.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose in animals, stored primarily in liver and muscle tissues.

Heterotrophy

The mode of nutrition in which organisms obtain food by consuming other organisms.

Cell walls

Rigid outer coverings found in plants, fungi, and some bacteria, providing support and protection.