Ecological role of fungi
Ecological role of fungi
Fungi (Fungi L. 1753) or fungi are a kingdom of eukaryotic, unicellular and multicellular organisms that includes more than 700,000 known species, although diversity has been estimated at more than 3 million species.
Fungi play several crucial ecological roles in ecosystems. Here are some of their main contributions; Let’s see their tasks in summary.
– Decomposition: Fungi are essential for the decomposition of dead organic matter. They act as decomposers, breaking down complex compounds such as cellulose and lignin present in dead plant and animal residues. This decomposition process is essential for the recycling of nutrients in the ecosystem.
– Symbiosis: Fungi form mutualistic symbioses with many plants, known as mycorrhiza. Plant roots associate with the thread-like structures of fungi, increasing the absorption of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, and improving the plant’s resistance to disease.
– Role in the carbon cycle: Fungi contribute to the carbon cycle through the decomposition of organic matter. This process releases carbon in the form of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere or, in some circumstances, contributes to the formation of more stable organic compounds in the soil.
– Bioremediators: Some fungi have the ability to absorb and accumulate heavy metals present in the soil, acting as bioremediators. This means they can be used to reduce environmental contamination from toxic metals.
– Feeding other organisms: Fungi constitute an important part of the food chain in many ecosystems. They are consumed by various animals, thus contributing to the transmission of energy and nutrients along the food chain.
– Enzyme production: Fungi produce enzymes that can aid in the degradation of complex organic materials. These enzymes are often used in biotechnology and the food industry.
As a rule, we know superior mushrooms by whether they are edible or not; in fact, they have a considerable economic value because they are commonly considered foods of great value.
At an ecosystem level they behave in various ways.
As saprophytes, they perform a very important function in nature as they decompose animal and plant residues, preparing a suitable terrain for putrefying microorganisms for their development and their indispensable destructive work. This allows all the remains of the organic world, by microorganisms, to be returned to the inorganic world, in the form of water, carbon dioxide and mineral salts, substances that return to circulation for subsequent biochemical and vital processes.
Like mycorrhizae, they perform a fundamental function in ecosystems, especially in woods, as they contribute to the nutrition and well-being of tall trees. For this reason, the indiscriminate and invasive collection of mushrooms must be avoided.
In fact, with their mycelia, which can live for several decades, they manage to propagate the hyphae in a larger area of land, bringing benefits to the plants in the forest.
As parasites, some lower fungi can instead cause diseases and damage to plants cultivated by man but, in fact, they are useful feedback in excessively specialized cultivation systems which therefore do not follow the principles and rules of nature.
Among these we mention vine downy mildew, wheat rust, etc. Certain lower fungi are also responsible for diseases in animals and humans.
Other lower fungi are instead useful to humans such as, for example, those that determine the fermentation of grape must, beer, bread, cheese, etc. Furthermore, do not forget that in 1929, Alexander Fleming extracted penicillin from a mold (Penicillium notatum), thus starting the era of antibiotics.
Ultimately, as a whole, fungi play a fundamental role in the ecological balance of ecosystems, contributing to the cycle of nutrients and supporting the life of many other organisms.