Question

Many species of fungi e.g., Dactylella, Dactylaria, Arthrobotrys and Zoophagus capture insects, nematodes and other worm-like animals. These fungi are

• A. Parasitic
• B. Hyperparasites
• C. Predatory
• D. Holophytic

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Predatory

Predatory fungi attack nematodes and other microorganisms using a remarkable array of trapping devices to attract, capture, kill and digest nematodes for food. A number of fungi have developed ingenious mechanisms for trapping microorganisms such as amoebas, roundworms and rotifers. After the prey is captured, the fungus uses hyphae to penetrate and quickly destroy the prey. Many of these fungi secrete adhesive substances over the surface of their hyphae, causing a passing animal that touches any portion of the mycelium to adhere firmly to the hyphae. Hence the correct option is C.