Question

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi whose mycelium grows below ground. The truffle is also underground and can be detected by many mammals, which eat the truffle and expel the spores with their feces. Which of the following statements is likely accurate with respect to this interaction?
a. Truffles probably produce toxins that can harm the mammals that eat them.
b. The truffle spores are probably wind-dispersed.
c. Truffle fruiting bodies are important in the decomposition of wood.
d. Truffles produce an odor that mammals can detect and find attractive.

Answer 1

Answer:

d. Truffles produce an odor that mammals can detect and find attractive.

Explanation:

Truffles are produced by ascomycete fungus. Truffles are ectomycorrhizal fungi and are usually found in close association with tree roots.

The spores are dispersed through fungivores, that is animals that eat fungi. These fungi have highly ecological roles in nutrient recycling and drought tolerance.

Some of the truffle species are used as food to prepare cuisines in some countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Croatia, etc.

Truffles can be harvested from natural habitats or cultivated fungiculturally.