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 is 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?

What role do fungi play in an ecosystem? What is a decomposer? What kinds of relationship can fungi develop with other organisms? What is meant by nutrient cycling? What kinds of nutrients get cycled? How might fungi fit into such a cycle?