Question

Match the description of each organism to the appropriate category. Not all numbered options will be used. (Please match 1 number to 1 letter).
1. lives within an algae and produces sugars for the algae
2. lives in a marsh environment and aids in biodegradation
3. lives on rocks and produces it’s own food from inorganic materials
4. lives within the blood of another organism and causes disease
5. lives around the roots of a tree and provides nutrients to the tree

A. parasitic fungus
B. mutualistic fungus
C. saprophytic fungus

Answer 1

Answer: Fungi are microscopic heterotrophic living organisms that grow as long threads called hyphae. In terms of their function, they can be divided into-

Parasitic fungus that obtains nutrients from living host while harming it, mutualistic fungus that obtains nutrients and inturn provides benefit provides to the host, and saprophytic fungus that are mainly classified as decomposers.

Thus, correct match is as-

A) Parasitic fungus-  4) lives within the blood of another organism and causes disease  

B)  Mutualistic fungus - 5) lives around the roots of a tree and provides nutrients to the tree

C) Saprophytic fungus- 2) lives in a marsh environment and aids in biodegradation.  

Answer 2

A. parasitic - this would best relate to option 4.

B. mutualistic - this is a symbiosis of sorts - option 5.

C. saphrophytic - this is a fungus that feeds on dead organisms. Option 2.