Basic Life Diversity-Fungi Classifications Test and Flashcards

Chytridiomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Primarily unicellular; some form simple multicellular structures. Hyphae: Rare, usually non-septate when present. Examples: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (pathogen of amphibians). Reproduction: Asexual through motile zoospores; sexual reproduction involves alternation of generations.

Chytridiomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Only fungi with flagellated spores (zoospores). Typically aquatic or in moist environments. Dominant Generation: Haploid and diploid stages are distinct, showing true alternation of generations. Ecological Role: Decomposers and parasites, affecting algae, plants, and animals.

Blastocladiomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Primarily multicellular. Hyphae: Coenocytic (non-septate). Examples: Allomyces (water mold). Reproduction: Alternation of generations with haploid and diploid stages; both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Blastocladiomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Nuclear cap present, aquatic or moist habitats. Dominant Generation: Alternation of generations; both stages are prominent. Ecological Role: Decomposers and some parasitic species.

Neocallimastigomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Mostly unicellular. Hyphae: Usually absent or rudimentary. Examples: Fungi in the digestive tracts of herbivores. Reproduction: Asexual only, via motile zoospores.

Neocallimastigomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Anaerobic lifestyle, lacking mitochondria. Dominant Generation: No true alternation of generations; asexual life cycle dominates. Ecological Role: Aid in cellulose digestion within herbivores.

Glomeromycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Multicellular, forming large spores. Hyphae: Coenocytic (non-septate). Examples: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Reproduction: Asexual reproduction only.

Glomeromycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots (arbuscular mycorrhizae). Dominant Generation: Asexual life cycle; no known sexual stage. Ecological Role: Crucial for plant nutrient uptake (phosphorus, nitrogen).

Zygomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Multicellular. Hyphae: Coenocytic, with few septa. Examples: Rhizopus (black bread mold). Reproduction: Asexual via sporangia; sexual involves zygospores.

Zygomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Forms zygospores during sexual reproduction; hyphae lack septa. Dominant Generation: Haploid life cycle is predominant. Ecological Role: Saprobic, decomposing dead organic material.

Ascomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Both; includes yeasts (unicellular) and molds (multicellular). Hyphae: Septate. Examples: Truffles, morels, Saccharomyces (yeast). Reproduction: Sexual via ascospores in asci; asexual through conidia.

Ascomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Spore production in sac-like structures (asci). Dominant Generation: asexual phase dominates; sexual reproduction occurs under certain conditions. Ecological Role: Decomposers, pathogens, and symbionts (lichens).

Basidiomycota (Unicellular/Multicellular, Hyphae, Examples, Reproduction)

Unicellular/Multicellular: Multicellular. Hyphae: Septate with clamp connections. Examples: Mushrooms, rusts, smuts. Reproduction: Sexual reproduction via basidiospores on basidia.

Basidiomycota (Key Features, Dominant Generation, Ecological Role)

Key Features: Club-shaped structures (basidia) for spore production. Dominant Generation: Dikaryotic stage is extended before karyogamy. Ecological Role: Wood decomposers, mycorrhizal partners, some are plant pathogens.

Monophyletic Group (Definition & Example)

Definition: A monophyletic group includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants, representing a complete branch on the tree of life. Fungal Example: Ascomycota is monophyletic because it includes a common ancestor and all fungi that reproduce through asci (sac-like structures). Basidiomycota is another example, with all members forming spores on basidia.

Paraphyletic Group (Definition & Example)

Definition: A paraphyletic group includes a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants, excluding certain lineages. Fungal Example: Zygomycota is paraphyletic, as some descendant lineages like Glomeromycota have been reclassified separately. Chytridiomycota is also considered paraphyletic due to some species being reassigned to other groups based on evolutionary relationships.

Monokaryotic Hyphae

A hypha with one nucleus per cell

Dikaryotic Hyphae

A hypha with two haploid nuclei coexisting independently within the same cell

Heterokaryotic Hyphae

A hypha containing nuclei from two genetically distinct individuals

Homokaryotic Hyphae

A hypha containing genetically similar nuclei

Arbuscular Mycorrhizae:

In this type, fungal hyphae penetrate plant root cells and formstructures called arbuscules, facilitating nutrient exchange. Arbuscular mycorrhizae are more common, appearing in about 80% of plant species

Ectomycorrhizae:

In this type, form a sheath around plant roots but do not penetratethe cell walls. Though less common than arbuscular mycorrhizae, they play a significant role in carbon storage

What is obligate symbiosis?

A relationship where at least one organism cannot survive without the other.

What is facultative symbiosis?

A symbiotic relationship where the organisms can live independently but may benefit from the association when it occurs.

Flashcards: Basic Life Diversity-Fungi Classifications