BRAINCAKEFungal Carnivores
Some fungi are carnivores: they trap and digest tiny soil worms called nematodes. There are several hundred species of these nematode-trapping fungi, and they show remarkable anatomical, physiological and behavioural-like adaptations.
Why trap worms?
Most fungi are saprotrophs, feeding on dead organic matter. Nematode-trapping fungi often live in soil or rotting wood that is poor in nitrogen. Trapping and digesting nematodes provides an extra source of nitrogen and other nutrients.
Types of trap (all made from modified hyphae):
• Adhesive networks: Arthrobotrys oligospora forms three-dimensional sticky nets of hyphal loops. A worm that crawls into the net becomes stuck to the adhesive coating.
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Key terms in this lesson
- hyphae
- The thread-like filaments that make up the body (mycelium) of a fungus.
More in Natural Selection
- Anatomical Adaptation
- Physiological Adaptation
- Behavioural Adaptation
- Grayling Butterflies
- The Same Species in Different Environments
- Natural Selection
- Natural Selection in Oysters
- Natural Selection in Moths
All 29 lessons in Natural Selection · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics