2. Saprobe
Organism that obtains food from decaying organic matter.
3. Lichen
Symbiotic association between a fungus and a photosynthetic
organism.
4. Mycorrhiza
Symbiotic association of plant roots and fungi.
5. Key Concept
Fungi play an essential role in maintaining equilibrium in nearly
every ecosystem, where they recycle nutrients by breaking down the
bodies and wastes of other organisms.
6. Key Concept
Some fungi form symbiotic relationships in which both partners
benefit. Two such mutualistic associations, lichens and
mycorrhizae, are essential to many ecosystems.