Fungаl EcоlоgyFungi fоrm а rаnge of symbioses. Fungi can form symbiotic relationships with a variety of organisms; they can be pathogens, parasites, commensals, or mutualists. Endophytes live inside plants and may protect them against parasites.Endophytes are fungi that live inside plants. These fungi may help the plant host by protecting against herbivory or improving nutrient uptake. Lichens are composed of, generally, an ascomycete living in a mutually beneficial relationship with a photosynthetic partner. Lichens are well adapted to a variety of often inhospitable conditions, and are important indicators of air pollution. Mycorrhizae are associated with the majority of plant roots and increase root surface area, thereby increasing nutrient absorption, receiving sugars from photosynthesis in return. Mycorrhizal fungi contribute significantly to the carbon cycle by liberating soil-bound carbon. Mycorrhizae are either arbuscular mycorrhizae or ectomycorrhizae. The more abundant arbuscular mycorrhizae produce hyphae that penetrate the cell walls of host plant roots; ectomycorrhizal hyphae do not.Ruminant animals contain gut fungi that aid in the breakdown of cellulose in return for a nutrient-rich home. Leaf-cutter ants can form a relationship with some species of basidiomycete. The ants provide leaves for the fungus to degrade and protect the fungus from predators and pathogens; ironically, the ants eat the fungus in return!
Find the prоduct. Write the аnswer in stаndаrd fоrm.(7 + 5i)2