Name:______________________________________________________Date:__________Perio
d:_____
The Kingdom FUNGI
Directions: Answer all questions in complete sentences on a separate sheet of lined paper.
Be sure to answer all parts to each question and pay attention to spelling and grammar.
1. Ecological succession is the process where organisms in an ecosystem are replaced by new
types of organisms, usually involving a physical change in the landscape. The organisms
replaced usually pave the way for the life that comes afterwards. Ecological succession results
in more mature ecosystems, with more abundant life. The lichen is often identified as a
pioneer organism in the process of ecological succession.
In a short answer/essay format, answer the following three questions. (5 points)
a. Identify the organisms in the lichen relationship and how they affect each other.
b. Identify what type of symbiotic relationship exists between the organisms in the lichen.
c. Identify what a pioneer organism is, and how the lichen acts as a pioneer.
The organisms that make up the lichen relationship include the fungus and algae. The fungus
provides a place for the algae to grow, and it also gives the algae water and minerals. The algae
provides food to the fungus. This is an example of mutualism; both the fungus and algae
benefit from the relationship. The lichen is a pioneer organism because it grows in places no
other organisms can live. When the fungus breaks down rocks to get minerals, it creates cracks
in the rocks. Dead lichens fill in the cracks and provide places for other organisms to live. A
pioneer organisms lives in an environment and changes the environment so that others can live
there.
2. Explain at least three different ways that fungi are harmful to people. (3 points)
Fungi can be harmful to people in many ways. Fungi can cause infection and disease. Toenail
rot, athletes foot, and thrush are all fungal infections. Fungi can grow on food causing food
poisoning, like ergot growing on rye grains and alphatoxin growing on wheat grains. Fungi can
also grow on building material that has gotten wet in houses and commercial buildings. Not
only does the mold cause damage, but molds like black mold can release toxins into the air
making people sick. This is an example of sick building syndrome.
3. Explain at least three different ways that fungi are beneficial to people. (3 points)
Fungi can be beneficial to people in many ways. Yeast is used to make bread rise, and to make
wine and alcohol. Yeast can also be used to make vaccines like hepatitis B, and is used in
laboratory research, especially genetic research. Many types of fungi can be used as food and
to make foods, like mushrooms, tofu, and soysauce. Fungi can also be used to make vitamins
and medications. Penicillium mold makes the antibiotic penicillin.
4. Describe the anatomy (structure) of a fungus. Use the terms hypha/hyphae and mycelium in
your answer. You may also include a sketch to support your answer. (3 points)
Hyphae are microscopic threads of continuous cytoplasm, there are no cell membranes
between nuclei. The hyphae weave together to form the body of the fungus, which is called
the mycelium. As the hyphae grow together to form the mycelium, fruiting bodies can form
and release spores.
5. Describe the structure and function of a spore and how a fungus uses it in its reproductive
life cycle. (2 points)
The spore is a microscopic, haploid cell produced by the fruiting body. Spores are lightweight
and can be carried by wind, or by water and even on other organisms. If the spore is in a
favorable environment; it has water, food, and the right temperature, it will grow. Because
fungi cannot move, they need to use spores to reproduce before their food source runs out and
they die.
6. Many members of the kingdom fungi are saprophytes (decomposers). Explain what a
decomposer is and its niche in an ecosystem. (2 points)
Saprophytes break down dead organic matter to get their energy. Decomposer grow on their
food source, digesting it and absorbing what they need. Decomposers don’t absorb everything,
so recycle nutrients in the environment, making them available to other life forms.
7. Explain at least three different ways that fungi affect your life. (2 points)
Answers here should include words like, “I,” “Me,” and “My.”