The role of fungi in forest decomposition
The role of fungi in forest decomposition
The role of fungi in the decomposition of forest litter.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Fungi can be found in many forms in our everyday lives—the yeast that causes bread to rise, the mold that grows on bread, the mildew found in a shower, as well as the mushrooms that adorn the top of a pizza.
Mushrooms are perhaps the most recognizable type of fungi. The top of a mushroom is made up of a cap, which is supported by a stemlike structure called the stalk. These two parts meet at a ringlike structure found just beneath the cap, called the annulus. These portions of the mushroom are visible, while the bulk of the organism may be found below the surface. The underground portion of the mushroom is called the mycelium. A network of threadlike fibers called hyphae make up the mycelium, which can extend for miles in some types of mushrooms.
The mycelium is the first part of the mushroom to grow. It is often found in a forest, among dead leaves and wood. Mycelia perform a critical role in forest decomposition. Unable to create their own food, the mycelia instead break down and consume leaves, needles, and other forest litter. This transforms the litter into matter that can be used by other organisms and clears the way for the continued growth of the living parts of the forest.
Mushrooms are perhaps the most recognizable type of fungi. The top of a mushroom is made up of a cap, which is supported by a stemlike structure called the stalk. These two parts meet at a ringlike structure found just beneath the cap, called the annulus. These portions of the mushroom are visible, while the bulk of the organism may be found below the surface. The underground portion of the mushroom is called the mycelium. A network of threadlike fibers called hyphae make up the mycelium, which can extend for miles in some types of mushrooms.
The mycelium is the first part of the mushroom to grow. It is often found in a forest, among dead leaves and wood. Mycelia perform a critical role in forest decomposition. Unable to create their own food, the mycelia instead break down and consume leaves, needles, and other forest litter. This transforms the litter into matter that can be used by other organisms and clears the way for the continued growth of the living parts of the forest.