Concept 31.3

Q1: Why are fungi classified as opisthokonts when most fungi lack flagella?

A1: The fungal lineage thought to be the most primitive, the chytrids, have posterior flagella, as do most other ophisthokonts. This suggests that other fungal lineages lost their flagella after diverging from the chytrid lineage.

Q2: Explain the evolutionary significance of the presence of mycorrhizae in the earliest vascular plants.

A2: This indicates that fungi had already established symbiotic relationships with plants by the time the first vascular plants evolved.