Final answer:
Dimorphic fungi have the capability to alter their form between yeast and mold based on environmental conditions; Histoplasma capsulatum and Candida albicans are examples, adapting to temperature changes to optimize survival and infectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for fungi that can switch between both yeast and mold forms is called dimorphic fungi. Dimorphic fungi adapt their morphology in response to environmental conditions such as temperature and nutrient availability. For instance, at 25°C (77°F), they may grow as molds, while at 37°C (98.6°F), which is human body temperature, they can grow as single, round yeast cells. This adaptability allows them to survive in diverse environments and can be crucial for their pathogenicity in host organisms. Notable examples include Histoplasma capsulatum, causing histoplasmosis, and Candida albicans, associated with various yeast infections.