Exploring Marine Fungi and Their Roles

How do fungi contribute to the ecosystem of mangrove swamps?

• By producing oxygen through photosynthesis

• By decomposing organic matter

• By providing food for large mammals

• By forming coral reefs

Answer explanation

Fungi play a crucial role in mangrove swamps by decomposing organic matter, breaking down dead plants and animals, and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, which supports plant growth and overall biodiversity.

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Explain how the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae in lichens benefits both organisms.

• Fungi provide nutrients to algae, while algae provide structural support to fungi.

• Fungi provide structural support to algae, while algae provide nutrients to fungi.

• Fungi and algae compete for resources, leading to mutual growth.

• Fungi and algae both produce oxygen for each other.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that fungi provide structural support to algae, allowing them to thrive, while algae perform photosynthesis, supplying essential nutrients to fungi, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

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Which of the following is a role of fungi in marine environments?

• Pollinating seagrasses

• Acting as primary producers

• Being parasites of seagrasses

• Forming sand dunes

Answer explanation

Fungi can act as parasites of seagrasses, affecting their health and growth. This role is significant in marine ecosystems, unlike the other options which do not accurately represent fungal functions in these environments.

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Analyze the impact of fungi as borers in muscle shells on marine ecosystems.

• They help in the growth of muscle populations.

• They cause structural damage, affecting the muscle population.

• They provide additional nutrients to the muscles.

• They have no significant impact on marine ecosystems.

Answer explanation

Fungi as borers in muscle shells cause structural damage, which negatively impacts muscle populations. This damage can lead to decreased survival rates and overall population decline, affecting marine ecosystems.

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What is the significance of fungi causing diseases in marine environments?

• They help in controlling the population of marine species.

• They increase the biodiversity of marine environments.

• They have no effect on marine life.

• They promote the growth of coral reefs.

Answer explanation

Fungi play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by helping to control the population of marine species. This balance is essential for maintaining healthy marine environments and preventing overpopulation of certain species.

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Evaluate the ecological role of lichens found on rocks in marine environments.

• They contribute to soil formation and provide habitats for small organisms.

• They increase the salinity of the surrounding water.

• They act as primary producers in the ecosystem.

• They prevent erosion of the rocks.

Answer explanation

Lichens on rocks in marine environments play a crucial role by contributing to soil formation through the breakdown of rock surfaces and providing habitats for small organisms, enhancing biodiversity.

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How many marine species of fungi are known to exist?

• 100

• 250

• 500

• 1000

Answer explanation

Currently, around 500 marine species of fungi have been identified. This number reflects the growing recognition of fungi's diversity in marine ecosystems, making 500 the correct choice.

Discuss the potential consequences of fungi acting as parasites in marine ecosystems.

• They enhance the growth of their host organisms.

• They can lead to the decline or death of host organisms.

• They have no effect on their host organisms.

• They provide additional nutrients to their host organisms.

Answer explanation

Fungi acting as parasites can harm their host organisms, potentially leading to their decline or death. This disrupts marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the balance of species.

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Identify the type of relationship between fungi and algae in lichens.

• Parasitic

• Commensal

• Symbiotic

• Competitive

Answer explanation

The relationship between fungi and algae in lichens is symbiotic, as both organisms benefit. The algae provide photosynthesis products, while the fungi offer protection and moisture, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.

Plan a study to investigate the role of fungi in the decomposition process in mangrove swamps.

• Measure the oxygen levels in the water.

• Analyze the rate of leaf litter decomposition in the presence and absence of fungi.

• Count the number of fish species in the swamp.

• Observe the growth rate of mangrove trees.

Answer explanation

Analyzing the rate of leaf litter decomposition in the presence and absence of fungi directly investigates their role in decomposition, making it the most relevant choice for the study.

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