Final answer:
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.