NEET BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

ECOSYSTEM

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
In an ecosystem, a fungus, such as the mushroom pictured here, functions as a
A
autotroph
B
heterotroph
C
decomposer
D
predator
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Some fungi are decomposers which mean that they break down plant and animal debris, thus cycling nutrient and increasing their availability in the soil. They can also propel nitrogen fixation and phosphorus mobilization, two of the main nutrients required for plant development and productivity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Fungus are essential decomposers of the ecosystem! They function together with certain bacteria to breakdown dead organic matter into a form that can be used in the ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Back to the Beginning When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forests. Some kinds of fungi, such as mushrooms, look like plants. But fungi do not contain chlorophyll, the pigment that green plants use to make their own food with the energy of sunlight.

Detailed explanation-5: -Below the surface is a network of microscopic fungal threads, known as mycelium, which are vital to ecosystems around the world. Through mycelium, mushrooms help other plants share nutrients and communicate through chemical signals.

There is 1 question to complete.