Course description: Algae are the primary producers of aquatic ecosystems. Fungi are the primary decomposers and recyclers of terrestrial ecosystems. Algae were responsible for the oxygenation of ...

Without fungi, ecosystems would struggle to recycle nutrients, and life as we know it would not be possible. In addition to being decomposers, mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with many plants.

Fungi have been recognized as potential allies in the fight against plastic pollution for a while now. These microorganisms have a unique ability to eat materials that other organisms can’t. Thus, ...

Some orchids have evolved a unique parasitic lifestyle, abandoning full reliance on photosynthesis in favor of extracting nutrients from fungi. Oreorchis patens serves as a fascinating case, capable ...

The research team from CAS looked at soil fungi and their complex plant relationships, ranging from co-dependency as symbionts, to pathogens or decomposers that support nutrient recycling.