Question

The fungi which grow on dung is called as
a. Epixylic
b. Coprophilous
c. Keratinophilic
d. Xylophilous

Answer 1

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as single celled yeasts and multicellular molds and mushrooms. The fungi are saprophytic organisms and grow on dead and decayed matter such as plant debris, animal feces and other rotten materials.

Complete answer:
The fungi are saprophytic organisms that grow in the soil or on dead and decayed matter. They perform an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in the process of nutrient cycling and exchange.

The coprophilous fungi are the group of saprophytic fungi that grow on the dungs of the animals. These fungi are also known as dung loving fungi. These fungi are linked to the distribution of herbivores such rabbit, cattle, dear, horses etc. These fungi are consumed by the herbivores from the grazing vegetations and then excreted along with plant matter. The herbivores along with the vegetations consume the spores of the fungi. When defecated from the animal's body the fungus grows in the form of fruiting bodies in the animal feces. The fungi then develop to finally reach new plant material.

The feces material provides an environment that is rich in nitrogenous substances and enzymes released from the digestive system of the animal. The spores survive the digestive process of the animal as they are thick walled. This allows them to germinate in the dung with least competition from other such organisms. The spores are hardy and resistant to desiccation allowing the fungus to fruit weeks later.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
- Epixylic fungi are found to be present on the surfaces of the wood of trees especially on the older trees.
- Keratinophilic fungi are responsible for the conversion of keratin containing wastes. They also function to breakdown waste materials present in the soil.
- The Xylophilous fungi are the wood loving fungi and they either grow or live inside or on the wood.

Note: The fungi are saprophytic organisms that grow on a number of dead and decayed matter such as several types of wastes, feces, debris etc. The Coprophilous fungus grows on the dung of animals. They are consumed by the grazing animals along with the plants and are eliminated into the feces. They grow and germinate in the dung due to the rich nitrogenous environment.