Chapter 19-2: Fungi in Nature Symbiotic Relationships

Lichens: are symbiotic partnerships between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism fungus are usually ascomycete, but can be basidiomycete grow in places where few other organisms survive ex: dry bare rocks in deserts, and on tops of mountains. they are able to survive in harsh environments because of the relationship alga carries out photosynthesis providing the fungus with a source of organic nutrients are often the first organisms to enter a barren environment they gradually break down the rock in which they grow, eventually forming an environment that is suitable for other organisms to survive

Mycorrhizae relationship formed between Fungi and green plants the tiny hyphae of Fungi aid plants in absorbing water, minerals and nutrients the plant in turn provide the Fungi with products of photosynthesis ex: orchids, the seeds of orchids germinate in nature only in the presence of a certain species of Fungi Fungi may have played a crucial role in the colonization of the land by green plants

By: Katie and Sienna!