Fungi

Fungi are highly diverse groups of eukaryotic microorganisms that vary greatly in size, shape, and complexity. The branching architecture and indeterminate growth of mycelia of terrestrial fungi optimize foraging ability to explore large soil volumes and exploit heterogeneous and patchily distributed organic substrates. Various mycelial structures optimize this behavior and also provide a hardy resting stage when conditions are adverse. Cytoplasmic continuity, even with septa, provides a mosaic of genetic and phenotypic possibilities within the same organism. Spores are produced sexually, asexually, or both. In the soil environment, fungi are important as food sources, pathogens, beneficial symbionts, saprophytes to degrade crop residues, and biotic agents to improve soil structure and aeration. Despite the widespread distribution of fungi and their pivotal role in biotic processes, much has yet to be learned about their diversity and the complexity of interactions among each other and with other eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.