Throughout much of Europe, there has been a severe decline in the mushroom population. On study plots in Holland, data collected since 1912 indicate that the number of mushroom species has dropped from 37 to 12 per plot in recent years. Along with the reduction in the number of species, there has been a parallel decline in the number of individual plants; moreover, the surviving plants are smaller. The phenomenon of the disappearing mushrooms is also evident in England. One study noted that, in 60 fungus species, 20 exhibited declining populations. Mycologists are also concerned about a decline in the United States; however, there are no long-term studies, such as those in Europe, to provide evidence for such a decline. Consider the niche of fungi in the ecosystem. How would an ecosystem be affected by a decline in their numbers?
