Topic Introduction

In this topic we will introduce you to fungi and microorganisms. This is an enormous subject area, and given the very large number of different species involved (possibly as many as 10 million fungi alone), there is surprisingly little known about the group. While the majority of this topic deals with fungi, which belong to their own kingdom (note that some authorities no longer recognize kingdoms as a taxonomic unit), we have also included some information on bacteria (another separate kingdom) and the slime moulds (which contain several unrelated groups of organisms belonging to the protists).

The fungi are critically important to ecosystems. Between 80% and 90% of plants have mutualistic relationships with fungi that facilitate the uptake of nutrients. In addition, fungi represent a critical part of the decomposition process. They can also be pathogens, causing sickness and death in a wide range of other organisms, including both plants and animals.

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Describe the role of fungi in tropical forests
• Describe the different types of mycorrhizae
• Explain how mycorrhizas link to plants
• Distinguish between fungi and other organisms

Topic Readings

Required Readings

• Ghazoul, J. and Sheil, D. 2010. Tropical Rain Forest Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 516 pp. Chapter 3.

Optional Readings

• Bâ, A.M., McGuire, K.L. and Diédhiou, A.G. (eds.) 2014. Ectomycorrhizal symbioses in tropical and neotropical forests. Boca Raton, Florida, USA: CRC Press. 286 pp.
• Isaac, S., Frankland, J.C., Watling, R. and Whalley, A.J.S. (eds.) 1993. Aspects of tropical mycology. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. 336 pp.
• Watkinson, S.C., Boddy, L. and Money, N.P. 2016. The fungi. 3^rd Waltham, Massachusetts, USA: Academic Press. 466 pp.
• Watling, R., Frankland, J.C., Ainsworth, M., Isaac, S. and Robinson, C.H. (eds.) 2002. Tropical Mycology: Volume 1. Macromycetes. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. 208 pp.
• Watling, R., Frankland, J.C., Ainsworth, M., Isaac, S. and Robinson, C.H. (eds.) 2002. Tropical Mycology. Volume 2. Micromycetes. Wallingford, UK: CABI Publishing. 224 pp.

Fundamental Concepts

PPT Presentations

3.3 Fungi and microorganisms.pptx Download 3.3 Fungi and microorganisms.pptx

Self-check Quiz

Please complete the self-check quiz 3.3, available at: Self-check Quiz 3.3 

Pre-readings and Discussion (For certification)

Once you have read Chapter 3 of Ghazoul, J. and Sheil, D. 2010. Tropical Rain Forest Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation, choose to post one thought-provoking question about fungi in tropical forests, and remember to answer/respond to at least one other student’s question on the discussion board Online Discussion Module 3.

Graded Assignment (For certification)

There is no graded assignment for this topic, but the discussion forum for this Module closes at the end of Week 7.

Topic Summary

In this topic, we have only been able to touch the surface of the world of fungi and other organisms. There is still a huge amount to be learnt about fungi, starting off with formally describing the species, and then determining their ecology. Fungi are present everywhere: in the soil, in water, on the surfaces of plants and animals and within plants and animals. Some have mutualistic relationships with host species, others are pathogens. They play a vital role in ecosystems, yet this is not reflected in our very weak understanding of them.

Topic Self-review (For self learning)

• What is the role of fungi in tropical forests?
• What different types of mycorrhizae are there, and what plants are they associated with?
• How do mycorrhizas link to plants?
• What is the difference between fungi, bacteria and slime moulds?