Funga

Why in news?

• Recently, United Nations Biodiversity has urged people globally to use the word ‘funga’ whenever they say ‘flora and fauna’, in order to highlight the importance of fungi.

About Funga:

• Funga is a recent term for the kingdom fungi similar to the longstanding fauna for animals and flora for plants.
• The term was considered to be needed in order to simplify projects oriented toward implementation of educational and conservation goals.
• According to UN Biodiversity “It is time for fungi to be recognised and protected on an equal footing with animals and plants in legal conservation frameworks”.
• UN states that “There would be no life on Earth without fungi, the yeasts, molds and mushrooms as they are critical to decomposition and forest regeneration, mammalian digestion, carbon sequestration, the global nutrient cycle and antibiotic medication”.

About Fungi:

• Fungi or fungus are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms or macroscopic organisms that belong to their own biological kingdom, distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria.

Characteristics:

• Eukaryotic:
  • Like plants, animals, and protists, fungi have complex, membrane-bound cell organelles and a true nucleus.
• Heterotrophic:
  • Fungi are primarily decomposers or saprophytes, meaning they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their surroundings.
• Secrete Enzymes:
  • Fungi secrete enzymes to break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances, which they can then absorb.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements:

1. Fungi are classified under the animal kingdom.

2. Fungi are primarily decomposers or saprophytes

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer