All articles tagged with #ecological roles
New research suggests that dinosaurs had a different parenting style from mammals, with juvenile dinosaurs becoming independent quickly and occupying distinct ecological niches, which may have led to greater ecological diversity in the Mesozoic era than previously thought.
Biologists from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that bonnet mushrooms, known as Mycena, traditionally considered decomposers of dead plant material, can also invade and cooperate with living trees and plants. This evolutionary leap challenges our understanding of the ecological roles of fungi. The research suggests that some Mycena species are developing the ability to act as mutualists, exchanging nutrients with their living hosts. The study also highlights the potential role of human activity in facilitating this adaptation. While there is increasing concern about fungal infections, the researchers assure that there is no need to fear Mycena invading humans while alive, as our bodies are adept at protecting against fungal spores.