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The influence of fungi on forests
Introduction Fungi play an essential role in forests and contribute significantly to the health and vitality of these ecosystems. Their job ranges from decomposing dead matter, providing nutrients to plants, to communicating between trees. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different roles of fungi in forests and highlight their influence on these complex ecosystems. The life cycle of fungi Before we look at the impact of fungi on forests, it is helpful to understand the life cycle of fungi in more detail. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, which means they are unable to...
The influence of fungi on forests
introduction
Fungi play an essential role in forests and contribute significantly to the health and vitality of these ecosystems. Their job ranges from decomposing dead matter, providing nutrients to plants, to communicating between trees. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different roles of fungi in forests and highlight their influence on these complex ecosystems.
The life cycle of fungi
Before we look at the impact of fungi on forests, it is helpful to understand the life cycle of fungi in more detail. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they are unable to produce their own food through photosynthesis but instead depend on other sources of organic matter.
Reproduction and reproduction
Most fungal species reproduce asexually and sexually. During asexual reproduction, the fungus produces spores which then spread to a new location via wind, animal movement or water. Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the union of two 'sex cells' to produce genetically distinct offspring 1.
Growth and development
Mushrooms begin life as tiny spores that emerge from adult mushrooms. They settle on the ground or dead biomass and begin to form fine threads called hyphae. These hyphae network together to form a so-called mycelium - the actual growth organ of the fungus. It is designed to move through and consume its nutrient donor efficiently.
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Webster J. & Weber R. (2007) „Introduction to fungi“. Cambridge University Press.
The role of fungi in the forest ecosystem
Mushrooms have various tasks in forests. They are decomposers, mycorrhizal fungi and in some cases parasites.
Mushrooms as decomposers
Decomposing fungi, often called saprophytes, play an important role in the carbon cycle of forests. They break down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, animal carcasses or fallen trees, into its components and release carbon dioxide in the process 2. This reduction in organic matter prepares the soil for the growth of new organisms and serves as a significant contribution to the nutrient supply of the forest.
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Boddy L. & Watkinson S.C. (1995) „Wood decomposition, higher fungi, and their role in nutrient redistribution“. Canadian Journal of Botany.
Mycorrhizal fungi and plants
Another essential function of fungi is the formation of mycorrhiza connections with trees and other plants. In this symbiosis, the threads of the mycelium surround the roots of the plants and thus increase their absorption area for nutrients and water 3. In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates that the plants produce through photosynthesis.
Some research has even shown that these mycorrhizal connections can create a network between different trees, called the “Wood Wide Web.”
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Bonfante P. & Genre A. (2010) „Mechanisms underlying beneficial plant-fungus interactions in mycorrhizal symbiosis“. Nature Communications.
fungal parasites
Occasionally, fungi can also act as parasites, attacking healthy trees and causing disease. This can cause significant damage and even death to the tree. However, parasites can also play a natural role in forest ecosystems by helping to remove older or weaker trees from the forest stand and making room for young trees.
Forest resilience and the role of fungi
It is recognized that the health and resilience of forests depend significantly on the diversity and activities of their fungal communities 4. Various species of fungi contribute to the stability and resilience of the forest ecosystem by supporting nutrient cycling, improving soil structure and strengthening root systems.
An important function of fungi is to promote biodiversity. They provide food and habitat for countless organisms, from the smallest insects to large mammals.
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Tedersoo L. et al. (2014) „Global diversity and geography of soil fungi“. Science.
conclusion
Fungi are essential players in the forest ecosystem. Although they are often overlooked, they are largely responsible for the health and diversity of the forest. Their roles as decomposers, mycorrhizal partners, and even parasites enrich the ecosystem in many ways. They also contribute to the resilience of forests and help them to respond to changes and survive. Their ecological importance cannot therefore be overestimated. ↩