T10.10 Fungi

This is a diverse group of heterotrophic plants (without chlorophyll). They are mainly saprophytes inhabiting decomposing organic substrates in the soil, in fresh water and in seawater. Some species are parasitic on either plants or animals, and others form a symbiotic association with green and, occasionally, with blue-green algae, as lichens. Fungi only become conspicuous when their filaments (hyphae) become concentrated into a mycelium on rich substrates or to facilitate reproduction. The mushrooms and bracket fungi commonly seen in forest habitats are specialized spore-producing structures. The fungi are divided into two groups, the Myxomycota (slime fungi) and the Eumycota (true fungi), of which there are four divisions.

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Additional Keywords:

Chanterelle mushroom, Jack O'Lantern, plasmodium, moulds, blights, mildews, yeasts, smuts, rusts, Penicillium, Black Knot, Dutch Elm disease, morels, witches brooms, toadstools.

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Associated Habitats:

H2.5