Fungi often obtain their food through which option?

Fungi often obtain their food through which option?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Decay of dead plant material
• C. Attacking living plants
• D. Both b and c

Answer: (D)

Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing them from their surroundings after releasing enzymes that break down organic matter outside their cells. They don’t do photosynthesis, so they rely on external sources of organic material. Many fungi feed as saprophytes, decomposing dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Others are parasitic, living on living plants and drawing nutrients from their tissues, which can cause disease. Because fungi can do both—decompose dead material and infect living plants—the description that includes both is the best fit.

Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing them from their surroundings after releasing enzymes that break down organic matter outside their cells. They don’t do photosynthesis, so they rely on external sources of organic material. Many fungi feed as saprophytes, decomposing dead plant material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Others are parasitic, living on living plants and drawing nutrients from their tissues, which can cause disease. Because fungi can do both—decompose dead material and infect living plants—the description that includes both is the best fit.