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Plants and Society, 3/e
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Fungi in the Natural Environment

Concept Quizzes



1

Although traditionally considered nonvascular plants, fungi are now classified in their own kingdom (Kingdom Fungi) or in the Kingdom Protista. Current molecular studies even show that fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants; however, certain features of fungi seem plantlike.

What characteristics of fungi are animal-like and what are plantlike?
2

In the environment, saprobic fungi play a vital role as decomposers, degrading most types of organic material.

What happens to the nutrients that are released by decomposition?
3

Fungi are responsible for the majority of plant diseases. Although fungicides can effectively control many diseases, these chemicals are expensive and often hazardous.

What approaches can be used to control fungal diseases without the widespread use of fungicides?