Fungal Biology

First published by Cambridge University Press in 1991, this book introduces fungi to readers from an ecological viewpoint.

Harry J. Hudson (Author)

9780521427739, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 3 January 1991

306 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.45 kg

First published by Cambridge University Press in 1991, this book introduces fungi to readers from an ecological viewpoint, emphasising the ecological diversity and extreme versatility of the fungi. The introductory chapter covers fungal structure, growth and reproduction. The remaining chapters consider the fungi in their ecological roles, for example as decomposers of leaves, inhabitants of aquatic environments and as mutualistic symbionts in mycorrhiza and with insects. The intention is to treat fungi in terms of their adaptations to the ecosystems that they occupy. Although fungi as soil inhabitants are not included, much of their ecological significance is considered elsewhere, for example in the chapters on fungi as decomposers of leaves and wood. Examples given are worldwide, including from tropical countries, and the book is well illustrated with many original illustrations drawn from living material.

Preface
1. Fungi as organisms
2. Fungi as decomposers of leaves
3. Fungi as decomposers of wood
4. Fungi as inhabitants of aquatic environments
5. Fungi as inhabitants of animal faeces
6. Fungi as inhabitants of extreme environments
7. Fungi as mutualistic symbionts in ectomycorrhizas and lichens
8. Fungi as mutualistic symbionts in endomycorrhizas
9. Fungi as symbionts with insects
10. Fungi as parasitic symbionts of plants - an introduction
References.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST]