Many fungi are decomposers and degrade organic matter (such as wood and leaf litter). It has become clear that many of these decomposers are also able to colonize live plants as endophytes (living inside the plant without causing any harm) and allowing for prime access to plant tissues once the plant dies. Explain, using the principles of natural selection, how having the ability to be both a decomposer and endophyte evolved. Make sure you include the four steps of evolution by natural selection in your response.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Many fungi are decomposers and degrade organic matter (such as wood and leaf litter). It has become clear that many of these decomposers are also able to colonize live plants as endophytes (living inside the plant without causing any harm) and allowing for prime access to plant tissues once the plant dies. Explain, using the principles of natural selection, how having the ability to be both a decomposer and endophyte evolved. Make sure you include the four steps of evolution by natural selection in your response.

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