Chapter 22, Problem 1FTB

Summary Introduction

To review:

The given blank space in the statement, “The portions of a fungus that are visible to the naked eyes are often structures specialized for ____________. These structures release tiny __________, which are dispersed to produce new fungi.”

Introduction:

Fungi are some of the biggest species of the world. The biggest specimen is in Oregon, spanning around 2,400 acres. Most people do not think of fungi in the form of the big organism as most of the body of the fungus is underground. The mushrooms or other parts of the fungus above the ground are very small as compared to the organism.

Explanation of Solution

The fungi remain underground or the habitat like the trunk of a tree. When the time for reproduction arrives, some fungi grow an extension, like a mushroom in certain species. These mushrooms are actually reproductive organs. These organs appear during the reproductive period and disappear later.

The primary function of these mushrooms is to disperse spores in the environment. The spores are the haploid cells that germinate and create new fungi when the conditions are favorable. The fungi releases millions of spores during the reproductive season. These spores are non-motile. So, they are dispersed using different carriers like air current, animals, and insects.

Conclusion

The portions of a fungus that are visible to the naked eye are often structures specialized for reproduction. These structures release tiny spores, which are dispersed to produce new fungi.