Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary ecological role of saprophytic fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They decompose dead organic matter, breaking down lignin and cellulose to recycle carbon.

Question 2

A scientist discovers a fungus with coenocytic hyphae, sporangia producing haploid spores asexually, and a zygosporangium formed during sexual reproduction. To which phylum does this fungus most likely belong?

Accepted Answer

Phylum Zygomycota

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the relationship between fungi and animals is supported by both molecular and morphological evidence?

Accepted Answer

Both store energy as glycogen and have chitin in their structures.

Question 4

In the mutualistic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plants, what does the fungus provide to the plant?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and water from the soil

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why fungal diseases in humans are often difficult to treat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi and humans are closely related eukaryotes, so drugs that target fungi may also harm human cells.

Question 6

A lichen is a symbiotic association between which two types of organisms, and what does each contribute?

Accepted Answer

A fungus and a cyanobacterium or green alga; fungus provides protection and water retention, cyanobacterium/alga provides sugars via photosynthesis

Question 7

Which of the following is a major reason why fungi are considered the world's most important decomposers?

Accepted Answer

They can digest both lignin and cellulose, the two most abundant organic molecules in plants.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the ploidy and origin of fungal spores produced by meiosis in most fungi?

Accepted Answer

Haploid spores produced by meiosis

Question 9

A student is examining a fungus with septate hyphae, a reproductive structure called an ascus, and a life cycle that produces eight sexual spores per ascus. Which phylum does this fungus belong to?

Accepted Answer

Phylum Ascomycota

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world example of a fungal parasite that has had a significant ecological impact in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Chestnut blight fungus that killed over 4 billion native chestnut trees

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why fungal hyphae are typically less than 10 $$\mum in $$diameter?

Accepted Answer

To maximize surface area to volume ratio for efficient nutrient absorption

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the sexual life cycle of Basidiomycota (club fungi)?

Accepted Answer

Fusion of haploid mating strains $$\rightarrow$$ formation of dikaryotic mycelium $$\rightarrow$$ fertilization in basidia $$\rightarrow$$ meiosis $$\rightarrow$$ production of four basidiospores

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical ecological impact of lichens?

Accepted Answer

Fixing atmospheric nitrogen for use by surrounding plants

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process by which fungi accelerate the carbon cycle on land?

Accepted Answer

By digesting lignin and cellulose in dead vegetation, releasing carbon as $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ through cellular respiration

Question 15

Which of the following is a plausible reason why fungi are limited to moist environments?

Accepted Answer

Their high surface area to volume ratio makes them prone to drying out.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct match between a fungal phylum and a characteristic feature?

Accepted Answer

Chytridiomycota: only fungi with flagellated spores and gametes

Question 17

Which of the following foods is made possible by the metabolic activity of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Chocolate, which is only edible after fermentation by fungi

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the main basis for classification of fungi (other than DNA evidence)?

Accepted Answer

The structure and formation of sexual spores

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible explanation for why fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm are relatively common in humans?

Accepted Answer

Fungi thrive in moist environments, such as those found on human skin.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the process by which saprophytic fungi decompose wood?

Accepted Answer

They secrete enzymes to break down lignin, then cellulase to digest cellulose into glucose.

Chapter 29: Fungi – Structure, Function, and Diversity

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard