Concept 31.4

Q1: What feature of chytrids supports the hypothesis that they represent the most primitive fungal lineage?

A1: Flagellated spores.

Q2: Why are glomeromycetes so ecologically significant?
Q3: Give different examples of how form fits function in zygomycetes, ascomycetes, and basidiomycetes.

A2: Most plants form arbuscular mycorrhizae with glomeromycetes; without the fungi, the plants would be poorly nourished.

Q3: Give different examples of how form fits function in zygomycetes, ascomycetes, and basidiomycetes.

A3: Zygomycetes - sturdy, thick-walled zygosporangium can withstand harsh conditions and then undergo karyogamy and meiosis when the environment is favorable for reproduction. Ascomycetes - the asexual spores (conidia) are produced in chains or clusters at the tips of conidiophores, where they are easily dispersed by wind. Basidiomycetes - basidiocarp supports and protects a large surface area of basidia, from which spores are dispersed.