| PA Environment and Ecology Standard |
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4.6 Ecosystems and their Interactions
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Congratulations
to
Beth Sheckler
of Carbon County
for submitting the correct answer!!
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c.
Fungi act as decomposers of organic material,
releasing nutrients into the soil that can
be used by plants and other organisms.
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Many
species of fungi act as decomposers
in the ecosystem. Decomposers feed on organic matter
such as dead leaves and rotten logs. Bacteria and
worms are also types of decomposers.
As they feed, decomposers break down the organic
matter into carbon dioxide and important nutrients,
like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are often then
released into the soil. This is part of the nutrient
cycle.
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Plants
use nitrogen in order to grow new leaves, stems,
and fruit.
Without
fungi and other decomposers putting nitrogen back
into the soil, plants would not be able to grow
properly. Without plants, there would be no food
source for humans or other animals.
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Did
you know??
The mushroom that we see growing
above ground is only one part of a fungus, called
the fruiting body.
The main
body of a fungus is hidden in the soil or wood in
which it's growing. Most fungi are composed of long,
thread-like strands called hyphae. These are
often microscopic, meaning they can't be seen with
the naked eye. The strands of the hyphae together
are called the mycelium. Mushrooms may only
last a few days, but the mycelium can sometimes last
for years!
Fungi
feed outside their bodies. The hyphae release enzymes
that break down the surrounding environment into simpler
substances that can then be absorbed by the fungus
(that's how they eat!).
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Imagine
what it would be like walking in the forest if there
were no fungi or other decomposers.
The ground
would be completely buried in dead leaves and wood!
There would be
no one to clean up all this organic matter, and
it would accumulate year after year.
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How
else are fungi beneficial?
What
are some negative impacts of fungi?
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Additional
Links
Fungi
as Decomposers
Fun
Facts about Fungi
Western
Pennsylvania Mushroom Club
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For
Kids
Mushroom
Club
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