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Read moreFungal dispersal from down-under; how one Australian mammal spreads mycorrhizal spores
The Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)
Lecture 17: Single cohort stand development
Today, we are going to look at the development of a single cohort stand. A single cohort is a stand of trees that become established within 10 years of each other. After a major disturbance in which all trees in the local area are killed, that region will (usually) go through four stages, which we will learn about in this lecture. Stand initiation, stem exclusion, understory re-initiation, and old growth.
Read moreLecture 15: Species interactions of eastern deciduous forests
In today's lecture, we are going to look at the species interactions of America's northeast deciduous forest. As I hike through Zoar Valley, I explain different organisms I encounter and discuss the species interactions they engage in. From mutualism, parasitism, and predation to commensalism, and amensalism we'll look at these patterns and hopefully be able to better understand forest ecology from the perspective of the forest floor.
Read moreThe fungal parasite Asterophora lycoperdoides
Asterophora lycoperdoides growing on its dead host. Photo by Crystal (Squirrelgirl).
The diversity of ecological roles fungi carry out are staggering. Here, we have yet another fungal parasite that invades the tissue of living Russula and Lactarius species. Unlike many other gilled mushrooms, it depends mainly on its asexual chlamydospores for colonization and dispersal.
Read moreAncient preserved fungi help us paint a vivid ecological past
Palaeoagaracites antiquus from 99 million year old amber.
These discoveries lead us to the notion that not only was fungal diversity high millions of years ago, but extremely complex fungal interactions where present. These interactions help shaped these ancient ecosystems from the bottom up. From decomposition rates, to mycoparasites to insect parasites, ancient fungi played integral roles and have clearly had their hand in shaping evolutionary trends.
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