Question 1

Which of the following best describes the nutritional strategy of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are heterotrophs that secrete exoenzymes to break down complex molecules and absorb the resulting nutrients.

Question 2

Which fungal structure is primarily responsible for nutrient absorption in multicellular fungi?

Accepted Answer

Hyphae

Question 3

What is the main ecological role of fungi in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Effective decomposers capable of digesting almost any organic molecule

Question 4

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the fungal life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Karyogamy is the fusion of nuclei, resulting in a diploid zygote.

Question 5

Which phylum of fungi is most associated with the decline of amphibian diversity due to parasitism?

Accepted Answer

Chytridiomycota

Question 6

Which fungal group is characterized by flagellated zoospores?

Accepted Answer

Chytrids (Chytridiomycota)

Question 7

In the sexual reproduction of Rhizopus stolonifer, what is the sequence of events?

Accepted Answer

Plasmogamy → Karyogamy → Meiosis

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between the ploidy stages in fungal sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

$n \rightarrow (n + n) \rightarrow 2n \rightarrow n$

Question 9

Which fungal phylum is most likely to form mutualistic relationships with plant roots as mycorrhizae?

Accepted Answer

Mucoromycota

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the structure of septate hyphae?

Accepted Answer

Hyphae divided by septa with pores allowing organelles to pass

Question 11

A scientist observes a fungus with a zygosporangium and multicellular hyphae. Which phylum does this fungus most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Mucoromycota

Question 12

Which of the following is a unique feature of microsporidians?

Accepted Answer

Harpoon-like organelle for infection

Question 13

Which fungal phylum is best at decomposing lignin, a complex plant polymer?

Accepted Answer

Basidiomycota

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about the mutualistic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants can penalize fungi for poor phosphorus delivery by reducing carbon allocation.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of fungal endophytes in woody plants?

Accepted Answer

They reduce leaf mortality and damage when present alongside pathogens.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the heterokaryotic stage in fungal sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

Cells contain unfused haploid nuclei from two different parents.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of fungal decomposer activity in an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Rapid recycling of nutrients, supporting plant growth.

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of ascomycetes?

Accepted Answer

Production of ascospores in asci

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why fungi are classified as absorptive heterotrophs?

Accepted Answer

They secrete enzymes to digest food externally and absorb the resulting nutrients.

Question 20

Which supergroup of eukaryotes includes both fungi and animals?

Accepted Answer

Unikonta

Fungi: Structure, Function, Diversity, and Life Cycles

Study Guide - Practice Questions