The nutrient scavenging abilities and low carbon demand for this tiny fungus makes it exceedingly suitable for engaging in this unique liverwort mutualism. Usually, lower plants engage in mutualisms with AMF. This new study reveals that highly specialized higher fungi adapted to a symbiotic lifestyle with ericoid plants can also form relationships with lower plants. This highlights the adaptability of both organisms, further revealing the importance of taking advantage of services your neighbor can provide.
Read moreFungi Friday; Stropharia rugosoannulata
Stropharia rugosoannulata is an amazing species I love encountering on my fungal forays. Usually found on woodchips, the species clearly breaks down woody material. However, what makes wood an efficient tissue to synthesize for plants, does not make it a prime food source for fungi. A strategy this forest floor inhabitant has in its repertoire is a unique mechanism to trap nematodes and absorbs the nutrients within the organisms to supplement its otherwise nutrient poor woody diet.
Read moreFungi Friday; Another service orchid fungi provide
Orchid fungi do more than supply their plant host with nutrients. New research reveals that Drosophila attracting Mycena sp. enhance a specific orchid's pollination rate.
Read moreFungi Friday; Baeospora myosura
Baeospora myosura has evolved a narrow feeding ecology by breaking down conifer cones. By becoming more specialized, this species escaped competition, allocating less energy and resources to defending its substrate, and more towards its reproductive effort.
Read moreLarge trees are more important than we thought
New research suggests that by removing the largest 1% of trees, we remove 50% of the aboveground biomass! This new collaborative science also shows interesting latitudinal trends.
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