FungiChapter 2 Lesson 4

Sixth Grade Ms. Membreño

My Planet DiaryFungus Farmers

You may have heard of an “ant farm,” but have you ever heard of ant farmers? Leaf cutter ants act like farmers, growing fungus for food.

First, the ants cut pieces of leaves from trees. Then the ants carry the leaves to an underground nest, where the leaves are crushed and chewed to make a mulch.

Surprisingly, the ants don't eat the mulched leaves. They place them in a special growing chamber or “garden.” Then they move stands of fungus from an existing garden to the new chamber, where it grows on the leaves. The ants help the fungus grows on the leaves.

The ants help the fungus grow by removing harmful bacteria and mold. Finally, the ants eat the fungus!

Questions

• 1. How do the ants act like farmers?

• 2. How do the leaf cutter ants and the fungus benefit from their relationship?

Questions• 1. How do the ants act like farmers?

They prepare special places for the fungus to grow and remove bacteria and mold.

• 2. How do the leaf cutter ants and the fungus benefit from their relationship?

The ants make a chamber for the fungus to grow. The fungus provides food for the ants.

Unlock the big ?

• What are the characteristics of Fungi?

• What is the role of fungi in nature?

Characteristics of Fungi?• Eukaryotes that have cell walls

• heterotrophs that feed by absorbing their food.

• Use spores to reproduce.

Fungi cell structure• They can be a tiny unicellular yeasts to large

multicellular.

• Hyphae= are the branching, threadlike tubes that make up the bodies of multicellular fungi.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5rluxtABGA

Parts of the Fungus

What is the role of fungi in nature?

• Fungi may act as decomposers and recyclers, or provide foods for people. Fungi may help fight or cause disease. Some fungi live in a beneficial relationship with other organisms.