Mycology 2019

Fungi and Ecosystem Functioning

^{Unlike green plants fungi lack chlorophyll and therefore must obtain their nutrition from other sources. Fungi have an important role in the ecosystem where they break down and decompose dead plants and animals(SAPROPHYTES). Some types of fungi attack living organisms  and can be very destructive causing millions of dollars in losses to the forestry industry. Other fungi attack living trees and even other fungi (PARASITIC). Still others form a mutually beneficial association with trees and shrubs(MYCORRHIZA).}