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Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems as decomposers, pathogens, and mutualists. They recycle nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter like leaves, twigs, and animals, returning essential elements to the soil. Fungi can also cause damage to fruit trees and wooden structures, and some species are responsible for human and plant diseases. Additionally, fungi form symbiotic relationships with algae and plants, acting as mutualists. Studied for various purposes, fungi are valuable for food production, antibiotics, and molecular biology research.
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Fungi may be decomposers, pathogens, or mutualists. • Fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in any ecosystem. • decompose dead leaves, twigs, logs, and animals • return nutrients to the soil • can damage fruit trees and wooden structures
human diseases include ringworm and athlete’s foot • plant diseases include Dutch elm disease • Fungi can act as pathogens.
lichens form between fungi and algae • mycorrhizae form between fungi and plants • Fungi can act as mutualists.
Fungi can act as mutualists. • relationships form between fungi and some insects
Fungi are studied for many purposes. • Fungi are useful in several ways. • as food • as antibiotics • as model systems for molecular biology
