Animal-Fungal Mutualisms Flashcards
What is the basis of most animal-fungal mutualisms?
Usually nutritional but can have a habitat or environment basis.
Describe the mutualism between ambrosia beetles and fungi.
The beetles transport the fungi to food sources that are indigestible to themselves and then eat the fungi.
What are mycangia?
Specialised structures for the transport of symbiotic fungi.
What is mycophagy?
Consuming fungi as a food source.
Describe the mutualism between woodwasps and Basidiomycetes (amylostereum).
Woodwasp transports fungi to trees, the fungi’s food source. The eggs are innoculated under the bark as well as the fungus. The fungi rots the wood for the larvae to eat.
Describe the mutualism between higher termites and Termitomyces.
Termites farm Termitomyces. Termitomyces breaks down plant cellulose and produces mycotetes which are consumed by the termites.
Describe the mutualism between ants and Basidiomycetes.
Leaf-cutter ants farm monocultures of either Attamyces, Lecoagaricus or Lepiota. Ants feed on fungal structures known as bromatia.
Describe the mutualism between scale insects and Septobasidium.
Scale insects feed on plant phloem. The fungus forms a protective network over the top. Sometimes the fungi infect the scale insects - horror movie stuff.
What are the conditions in the rumen?
39-40.5°C.
Headspace gas comp: 65% CO2, 27% methane, 0.6% O2.
What are most microorganisms in the rumen?
Anaerobic bacteria and ciliate protozoa.
What is the function of fungi in the rumen?
Hyphae penetrate plant cells, aiding digestion.
