Carnivorous fungus

Carnivorous Fungus

A Carnivorous fungus is a type of fungus that derives some or all of its nutrients from trapping and consuming microscopic or other small animals. Carnivorous fungi have evolved multiple times in various fungal lineages, and their carnivorous strategies are diverse, including various trapping mechanisms.

Overview

Carnivorous fungi are found in most soil environments and are part of the soil microbiology. They play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in the soil. Some species are also important as biocontrol agents against pests.

Trapping Mechanisms

Carnivorous fungi employ various trapping mechanisms to capture their prey. These include adhesive traps, where the fungus produces a sticky substance that ensnares small animals, and mechanical traps, where the fungus uses physical structures to trap its prey. Some species also use a combination of these methods.

Adhesive Traps

In adhesive traps, the fungus produces a sticky substance that adheres to the body of the prey. The prey is then immobilized and digested by the fungus. This method is used by species such as Arthrobotrys oligospora and Drechslerella stenobrocha.

Mechanical Traps

Mechanical traps are physical structures produced by the fungus that ensnare the prey. These can include constricting rings, as in Arthrobotrys dactyloides, and non-constricting rings, as in Dactylella oviparasitica. Once the prey is trapped, the fungus penetrates its body and digests it.

Ecological Role

Carnivorous fungi play a significant role in soil ecology. They contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in the soil. They also help control populations of soil-dwelling pests, such as nematodes and mites, by trapping and consuming them.

See Also

• Fungus
• Soil microbiology
• Biocontrol agent
• Arthrobotrys oligospora
• Drechslerella stenobrocha
• Arthrobotrys dactyloides
• Dactylella oviparasitica

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