Thomas J.

Volk,
Fungi,
Editor(s): Simon A Levin,
Encyclopedia of Biodiversity (Second Edition),
Academic Press,
2013,
Pages 624-640,
ISBN 9780123847201,
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-384719-5.00062-9.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123847195000629)
Abstract: Although the study of fungi has increased exponentially in the past 100
years, fungi have been historically underappreciated or neglected in most other
biological disciplines. Fungi affect humans in many ways in biotechnology and
everyday life. Fungi are important members of ecosystems, acting as saprobes,
parasites (plant and animal), mutualists (mycorrhizae, endophytes, lichens), and
commensals. Because their filamentous hyphae and yeasts produce exoenzymes, food
digestion takes place externally, followed by ingestion of small molecules.
Mycologists study systematics, physiology, ecology, pathology, evolution, genetics,
and molecular biology. Learning more about fungal biodiversity is key to
appreciating their roles in nature and biotechnology.
Keywords: Ascomycota; Basidiomycota; Chytridiomycota; Deuteromycetes;
Glomeromycota; Molds; Mushrooms; Mycology; Symbiosis; Zygomycota