Question

Most fungi are decomposers; they recycle the nutrients from nonliving organic matter. Other fungi are specialized to live in symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Some fungi live as parasites and others as mutualists. Most plants, in fact, could not survive and grow without their fungal partner. This table lists some examples of different fungal strategies for obtaining nutrients. Sort the following fungi based on whether they are decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.

A) Mycorrhizal Fungi
B) Ringworm (Microsporum canis)
C) Penicillium
D) Aspergillus

Answer 1

A) Mycorrhizal Fungi are mutualists, B) Ringworm (Microsporum canis) is a parasite, C) Penicillium, and D) Aspergillus are decomposers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fungi obtain nutrients through different strategies, and their roles can be categorized as decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.

• A) Mycorrhizal Fungi: These are mutualists. They form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, where both organisms benefit. The plant receives enhanced nutrient and water absorption capabilities, and the fungi gain carbohydrates produced by the plant.
• B) Ringworm (Microsporum canis): This is a parasite. Despite the misleading name, ringworm is a fungal infection that lives on the skin, nails, or hair of animals or humans and can cause disease.
• C) Penicillium: Typically known as decomposers, species in this genus break down dead organic material and play a crucial part in nutrient recycling. Penicillium also has the added historical significance of being used to create the antibiotic penicillin.
• D) Aspergillus: This group includes species that are decomposers. They help in breaking down dead material and releasing nutrients back into the environment, and can also be used in industrial processes like fermentation.