Fungi feed through extracellular digestion and then absorption. How would the rates of decomposition of detritus be altered if fungicide (something that kills fungi) were sprayed on the forest floor?
A)Decomposition rates would be lowered because fungi would be destroyed.
B)Decomposition rates would be higher because bacteria would take over the role of decomposition, and they reproduce at faster rates than fungi.
C)Decomposition rates would be the same because fungi don't have hyphae above ground, so they would not be destroyed.
D)Decomposition rates would be lowered because fungi would choose to grow in an area without fungicide.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition of detritus, so if fungicide were sprayed on the forest floor, the fungi would be destroyed and their ability to decompose detritus would be significantly reduced. Bacteria may also contribute to decomposition, but they are not as effective at breaking down complex organic matter as fungi are. While fungi do have hyphae above ground, they are still vulnerable to fungicide if it is sprayed on their substrate or if they have direct contact with it. Therefore, D is not a viable option.

Fungi Feed Through Extracellular Digestion and Then Absorption