Question 1

What are mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi are tiny plants that live in the soil and connect to the roots of trees and other plants. They help plants get water and nutrients from the soil.

Question 2

How do mycorrhizal fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

These fungi help plants by acting like helpers. They gather water and nutrients from the soil and share it with the plants. In return, plants give the fungi some of the food they make.

Question 3

Where do mycorrhizal fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi live underground in the soil. They form networks by connecting to plant roots, making a web-like structure that you can't see.

Question 4

Why are mycorrhizal fungi important?

Accepted Answer

They are important because they help trees and plants grow better and stay healthy. They also help plants survive in places where there's not enough nutrients or water.

Question 5

Can all plants have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Most plants can have mycorrhizal fungi, but not all. Some plants, like certain grasses, don't need them as much.

Question 6

How do mycorrhizal fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

They spread by growing their web-like structures underground. They can also spread through spores, which are tiny seeds they release to grow new fungi.

Question 7

Do mycorrhizal fungi help plants communicate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they do! Plants can send signals or warnings to each other through the fungi networks. It's like having a telephone network underground!

Question 8

What do mycorrhizal fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal fungi eat sugars given to them by plants. The plants make these sugars during photosynthesis, which is how they turn sunlight into food.

Question 9

How do scientists study mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study these fungi by looking at them under microscopes and by testing the soil and plant roots. They can see how the fungi help plants and how plants grow with them.

Question 10

Can mycorrhizal fungi help farms grow crops?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can help crops grow better because they give plants more nutrients and water. This can mean healthier plants and bigger harvests for farmers.

Question 11

Do mycorrhizal fungi only help plants?

Accepted Answer

They mostly help plants, but by doing that, they also help other living things. For example, more plants mean more food and homes for animals.

Question 12

What happens if plants don't have mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Plants without mycorrhizal fungi might not grow as well, especially in poor soil. They might not get enough nutrients or water, which can make them weak.

Question 13

Are mycorrhizal fungi visible to the naked eye?

Accepted Answer

No, you can't see them with your eyes because they are very small. They stay hidden in the soil and on the plant roots.

Question 14

Can mycorrhizal fungi protect plants from disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can help protect plants from some diseases by making them stronger. They also can stop harmful germs from reaching the plant roots.

Question 15

Do mycorrhizal fungi need sunlight to live?

Accepted Answer

No, they don't need sunlight because they get food from plants. They live happily underground away from the sun's light.

Question 16

How long have mycorrhizal fungi been around?

Accepted Answer

These fungi have been around for millions of years, even before dinosaurs! They've been helping plants grow for a very long time.

Question 17

Can mycorrhizal fungi grow in all kinds of soil?

Accepted Answer

They can grow in many types of soil, but they like certain conditions like lots of organic matter. In some soils, they might grow better than in others.

Question 18

What role do mycorrhizal fungi play in forests?

Accepted Answer

In forests, they connect different trees and plants, helping the whole forest grow and stay healthy. They are like the city's plumbing, keeping everything connected and sharing resources.

Question 19

Do mycorrhizal fungi only grow near certain plants?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi like to grow with specific plants, while others are less picky. But overall, they can connect with many different types of plants.

Question 20

How big can mycorrhizal networks get?

Accepted Answer

Mycorrhizal networks can grow to be very big, sometimes stretching across entire forests! They can connect many plants together, creating a huge web underground.

The World of Mycorrhizal Fungi: Underground Networks that Support Life - 20 FAQs Explained Simply