Close observation of the fruiting bodies of cup fungi (ascomycetes) shows that when asci of cup fungi forcibly eject their spore
s into the air, they tend do so in groups (many asci at once) instead of one at a time. Furthermore, spores released during one of these group events tend to go higher into the air than do spores released from a single ascus. This observation suggests that the simultaneous spore release by multiple asci is likely an adaptation that:a. satiates spore predators, increasing the likelihood that some spores will not be eaten. b. increases the likelihood that multiple spores will arrive at the same food resource, thus enhancing the likelihood of successful colonization.
c. allows for the formation of new asci by allowing new regions of the fruiting body to undergo karyogamy.
d. enhances the ability of spores to penetrate the layer of stagnant or unmoving air above the fruiting body.
<em>d. enhances the ability of spores to penetrate the layer of stagnant or unmoving air above the fruiting body.
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Explanation:
Two things rely on the movement of the spores in the air to the great heights. Velocity is one, and mass would be another. Because if the spores are to grow in the air they need both mass and speed.
Spores produced by single ascus can not accomplish this by themselves. Thereby spores are emitted by asci groups.
Spores obtain the ability to penetrate the layer of stagnant or up-moving air above the fruiting body by being released by community of asci.
