| Question of the Week
As the snow melts, regional forests will become populated with mushrooms. You are probably aware that various types of mushrooms can be found throughout Pennsylvania, but did you know that these fascinating fungi are an integral part of forest ecology and nutrient cycling?
Source: DCNR
Mushrooms are the "bloom" of a vast underground network of tiny root-like fibers. The fibers gather and deliver essential nutrients to trees by extending beyond where the trees' roots reach. In return for these nutrients, trees provide mushrooms with carbon produced through photosynthesis. Thus, mushrooms and trees function symbiotically, meaning that these biologically unique organisms mutually benefit one another.
Source: DCNR
Pennsylvania Environment and Ecology Standard |
4.6 Ecosystems and their Interactions
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Activity:
Mushroom Mania
Background Image From: Big Foto
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