Your path towards ecological understanding

How bird predation is enhanced by forest fungi

November 30, 2017 Philip Pinzone

A banded Accipiter gentilis adult, a voracious predator. — A banded *Accipiter gentilis* adult, a voracious predator.

The forest floor interacts with the avian realm in unsuspecting ways. Keratinophilic fungi play an influential role by shaping bird prey-predator interactions.

Parasitism of Pollen

November 22, 2017 Philip Pinzone

Different fungi penetrating pollen from Pinus nigra. 1.) Bjerkandera adusta 2.) Cantharellula umbonata 3.) Coprinus comatus 4.) Cyathus stercoreus. In Hutchison and Barron 1997. — Different fungi penetrating pollen from *Pinus nigra*. 1.) *Bjerkandera adusta* 2.) *Cantharellula umbonata* 3.) *Coprinus comatus* 4.) *Cyathus stercoreus*. In Hutchison and Barron 1997.

Find out how this type of “parasitism” may actually benefit plant communities.

Latently present fungi

November 15, 2017 Philip Pinzone

Hericium species amongst many other saprotrophic fungi are latently present in trees. — *Hericium* species amongst many other saprotrophic fungi are latently present in trees.

Inside trees lie the fungi that eventually decompose them.

Beneath the forest floor in a Costa Rican cloud forest

August 31, 2017 Philip Pinzone

Lactarius indigo found in a cloud forest in Costa Rica. — *Lactarius indigo* found in a cloud forest in Costa Rica.

In cloud forests in Costa Rica, insanely complex interactions are taking place beneath the forest floor.

Lion’s Mane; a Fungi Friday dedicated to all the Leos out there

August 18, 2017 Philip Pinzone

A young Hericium erinaceus, also known as the Lion’s mane fungus. Photo by Whitney Curran. — A young *Hericium erinaceus*, also known as the Lion’s mane fungus. Photo by Whitney Curran.

Learn about a special fungus representing a special month. Lion’s Mane fungus is a species dedicated to all the Leos out there! Learn about its ecology and medicinal benefits!