Question 1

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are tiny living things, like mushrooms, that live in the soil. They help plants grow by working together with the roots.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

These fungi help plants by finding water and minerals in the soil and giving them to the plant. In return, the plants give the fungi food.

Question 3

Can plants live without mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Some plants can live without them, but they might not grow as big or be as strong. Most plants do much better with the help of these fungi.

Question 4

Why do mycorrhizal fungi need plants?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi need the food that plants make. It's like a trade: the plants give the fungi food, and the fungi help the plants get water and nutrients.

Question 5

Where do mycorrhizal fungi live?

Accepted Answer

They live in the soil, right next to plant roots. You can't usually see them because they're so tiny, but they're all around us.

Question 6

Do all plants have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Not all of them, but about 90% of plants have these helpful fungi. It's really common because it's so good for both the plants and the fungi.

Question 7

How do mycorrhizal fungi help the soil?

Accepted Answer

They help keep the soil healthy by breaking down dead plants and turning them into nutrients that other plants can use. This makes the soil richer and better for growing.

Question 8

What happens if there are no mycorrhizal fungi in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Without these fungi, plants might not get enough water or nutrients, and they might not grow very well. The soil can also become poor and dry over time.

Question 9

Can we see mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, you can't see them because they're tiny. But sometimes, you might see mushrooms, which are like the fruit of these fungi.

Question 10

Are mycorrhizal fungi good for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are very good because they help plants grow, which in turn helps animals and people have food. They also keep the soil healthy and can help fight climate change.

Question 11

Do mycorrhizal fungi work with all kinds of plants?

Accepted Answer

They work with many kinds of plants, but not every single one. Many of our favorite foods, like fruits and vegetables, grow better with their help.

Question 12

Are mycorrhizal fungi the same as regular mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

They are related to mushrooms, but they live mostly underground and are much smaller. The mushrooms we see are just a part of some fungi.

Question 13

How long have mycorrhizal fungi been around?

Accepted Answer

They've been around for millions of years, way before humans. They've been helping plants grow for a very long time.

Question 14

Do animals eat mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Some animals, like certain insects and small mammals, eat parts of these fungi. This helps spread the fungi around the forest.

Question 15

How do mycorrhizal fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

They spread through spores, which are tiny seeds. Animals, wind, and water can help move these spores to new places where they can grow.

Question 16

Can people help mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by taking care of the environment and not using too many chemicals, people can help these fungi thrive. This helps plants and makes ecosystems healthier.

Question 17

Do mycorrhizal fungi have friends?

Accepted Answer

They don't have friends like you and me, but they do work closely with many plants. It's a special partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Question 18

Are there different types of mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many different types that work with different kinds of plants. Each type helps in its own special way.

Question 19

Can mycorrhizal fungi help plants in the desert?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can be very helpful in deserts by finding water deep in the ground and sharing it with plants. This helps plants survive in hot, dry places.

Question 20

Do mycorrhizal fungi make food for themselves?

Accepted Answer

No, they don't make food like plants do. They need to get their food from plants in exchange for helping them get water and nutrients.

The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Ecosystems - 20 FAQs Explained Simply