The author supports the idea that fungi play an important role in disposing of decaying material in conifer forests by stating that fungi are detritivores that recycle over 80 percent of all once-living material in these ecosystems. This high percentage indicates that fungi are crucial in breaking down the slow-decaying fallen needles and other organic matter, thus facilitating nutrient cycling in the forest.
Read the text below. Then, in 1-2 sentences, identify and explain the evidence that the author uses to support the idea that fungi play an important role in disposing of decaying material in conifer forests.
Vast forests of pines, firs, spruces, and other needle-leaved, cone-bearing trees
often lack bright colors-apart from bright fungi dotting the carpet of fallen needles.
In a thick conifer forest, the year-round layer of evergreen leaves high above casts
a permanent shade on the ground. The fallen needles decay slowly and contain a
lot of acid. So, compared to broad-leaved woods, there are few bushes, ferns,
mosses, and flowers....
Fungi are detritivores, also called scavengers or saprobes. They feed on dead and
decaying matter known as detritus. In conifer woods, fungi recycle more than 80
percent of all once-living material. Other detritivores, such as worms, millipedes,
insects, and microscopic bacteria, recycle the rest.
3 answers
make it shorter and make it sound like a 5th grader and not a robot
The author shows that fungi are really important in getting rid of decaying stuff in conifer forests by saying they recycle over 80 percent of all dead material. This means fungi help break down the fallen needles and keep the forest healthy!