The fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps infect and alter the behavior of insects during their life cycles. The altered behavior of infected insects allows the fungi to release millions of reproductive spores.

Question

Which statement describes why the release of millions of spores leads to increased reproductive success for Ophiocordyceps when compared to fungi that do not release as many spores?
A It provides an alternative food source for many forest insects and other fungi.
• It allows for the infection of more insects to carry out the life cycle for the next generation of fungi.
© It prevents the growth of invasive organisms within an ecosystem.
• It creates habitats for other spores to become established to grow.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes why the release of millions of spores leads to increased reproductive success for Ophiocordyceps when compared to fungi that do not release as many spores is:

• It allows for the infection of more insects to carry out the life cycle for the next generation of fungi.

This is because the high number of spores increases the likelihood of finding and infecting suitable host insects, thus perpetuating the life cycle of the fungus and enhancing its reproductive success.