Fungal Ecology

Abstract

Fungal ecology encompasses the relationships among fungi, the environment and other organisms. Fungi are essential partners of primary producers and the main decomposers of plant biomass. They contribute to soil, water and atmospheric biogeochemical cycles. By accessing and mobilising nutrients from rocks and soil, fungi contribute to the establishment of ecosystems. In addition to a key function in decomposition, fungi are intimate associates of plants, animals, other fungi, bacteria and viruses in diverse mutualistic and antagonistic roles across environments. Fungi are most diverse in undisturbed forests, but are also residents of environments with extremes of cold and desiccation, and are found in aquatic and marine ecosystems. Fungi employ various sexual and asexual strategies for dispersal and inhabit both mild and extreme habitats. Agricultural and industrial pollution impacts the diversity of fungi, which in turn are indicators of ecosystem health. Key Concepts The fungal lifestyle is adapted to diverse interactions with other organisms. Fungal symbioses with plants underpin terrestrial ecosystems. Fungi are the main recyclers of plant biomass, including wood. Fungal communities are most readily studied with molecular techniques. Fungi interact with other organisms with secondary metabolites. Fungi provide structure to soils and biological crusts. Fungi have been found in all of earth's ecosystems.