Question

The picture shows an ant infected with the fungus Cordyceps. An infected ant will move to an area that is favorable

for the growth of the fungus. The fungus will remain there while its mycelia replace the ant's tissues, causing death
and eventually releasing more spores that can infect other ants.
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A jungle can contain many different species of the fungus. What is a positive effect of these fungi in maintaining the
stability of a jungle habitat?

Answer 1

Fungi maintain the stability of a jungle habitat through mutualistic associations with arthropods like ants. Leaf-cutting ants cultivate fungi in their gardens, where the ants provide leaves and the fungi break down cellulose. This relationship ensures a steady food supply for ants and aids in nutrient cycling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The positive effect of fungi in maintaining the stability of a jungle habitat is through their mutualistic associations with arthropods such as ants. For example, leaf-cutter ants in Central and South America cultivate fungi in their subterranean gardens. The ants provide leaves as a food source for the fungi, while the fungi break down cellulose in the leaves that the ants cannot digest. This mutualistic relationship ensures a steady supply of food for the ants and helps in nutrient cycling within the jungle ecosystem.