but are poisonous when raw.
Figure 9.12: Some of the best known types of fungi are the edible and the poisonous mush-
rooms. ( 10 )
Fungi in the Biological Control of Pests
Some fungi work as natural pesticides. For example in agriculture, some fungi may be used
to limit or kill harmful organisms like mites, pest insects, certain weeds, worms, and other
fungi that harm or even kill crops.
Lesson Summary
- Fungi are in their own kingdom based on their structures, ways of obtaining food, and
on their means of reproduction. - Fungi live with other organisms in symbiotic relationships.
- Fungi reproduce asexually, sexually and parasexually.
- Fungi appeared during the Paleozoic Era.
- Fungi are widely used in industry and medicine.
Review Questions
- What two characteristics distinguishes fungi from plants?
- How many species of fungi exist?
- Define mycorrhizal symbiosis.
- Describe the symbiotic relationship of a lichen.
- How was Beatrix Potter important to the scientific world?
- Describe the relationship between the ambrosia beetle and fungi?