Course Description
The role of fungi in the environment. Topics include fungal populations; biotic interactions with plants, insects, and other fungi; decomposition and nutrient cycling; fungal biomass and productivity; fungi in extreme environments.
Athena Title
Fungal Ecology
Prerequisite
PATH(PBIO) 4200/6200-4200L/6200L
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. PBIO 8360 - Fungal Ecology 2. Prerequisite: PATH(PBIO) 4200/6200-4200L/6200L. 3. The role of fungi in the environment. Topics include fungal populations; biotic interactions with plants, insects, and other fungi; decomposition and nutrient cycling; fungal biomass and productivity; fungi in extreme environments 4. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of fungi in the environment, including their interactions with plants, insects, other fungi and their contributions to decomposition and nutrient cycling. Students will gain knowledge about diverse fungi as components of successional studies, symbiotic interactions, and inhabitants of extreme environments The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced To the class by the instructor may be necessary.
Topical Outline
Symbiotic Interactions Mycorrhizae Evolution of the association Development and maintenance of the association Physiological ecology of mycorrhizae Mycorrhizae and succession Mycorrhizae and restoration Lichens Fungal endophytes (leaf) Fungal Populations Life History Strategies Dispersal Coevolution of plants and plant pathogenic fungi Fungal Communities Fungi in food webs Terrestrial leaf decomposition Aquatic leaf decomposition Colonization and decay of wood Coprophilous fungi Biotic interactions with animals Rotifer and nematode trapping fungi Fungus cultivating insects Trichomycetes Fungal biomass and productivity measuring fungal populations measuring fungal biomass and productivity salt marsh cord grass decomposition - a case study Fungi in extreme environments Thermophilic fungi Anaerobic chytrids