All articles tagged with #ecological role
The humongous fungus in Oregon, known as Armillaria ostoyae, is the largest organism on Earth by mass, spanning 2,385 acres and weighing around 35,000 tons, primarily existing as an underground network of mycelium that plays a crucial role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients, with debates ongoing about its true size and the definition of an organism.
Arthrobotrys oligospora, a worm-eating fungus, has been found to sense, trap, and consume small animals. New research has revealed the molecular changes that enable its predatory lifestyle. The fungus increases DNA replication and protein production when it senses worms nearby. It produces adhesive structures to trap and immobilize nematodes, and uses filamentous structures to burrow into and digest the worms. These findings enhance our understanding of the key processes involved in fungal carnivory. Nematode-trapping fungi play an important ecological role as natural predators, helping to maintain microorganism ecosystems and nutrient cycling.