ANSWERS: 1
  • Yes. The predatory fungi belong to the Phylum (Division) Zygomycota. In some mycology books they are placed in the Class Zygomycetes. The zygomycetes include a number of microscopic fungi that attack bread, dead flies and moving animals. You have probably seen the web-like filaments and black sporangia of black bread mold, especially if you allow freshly-baked bread (without preservatives) to get moldy. Other references place these fungi in the Class Deuteromycetes (Imperfect Fungi) because their sexual cycle is not fully understood; therefore, it is difficult to place them in a definite fungal class. The visible body of these fungi consists of a mass of intricately branched filaments, collectively referred to as a mycelium. Several predatory species in the genus Dactylaria attack minute nematodes called eelworms, and another fascinating species (Dactylella tylopaga) attacks microscopic amoebas in the soil. It is hard to imagine a filamentous fungus that actually lassos its prey, but this is the case in certain species of Dactylaria. Some of the filamentous strands of this fungus form a loop which serves as an animal trap. Minute nematodes (called eelworms) slither into the loop, hoping to eat the fungus. As the eelworm touches the fungus, the loop tightens and captures the struggling eelworm. When the victim finally dies, the fungus penetrates the eelworm body and proceeds to digest and absorb it. Exactly what triggers this lassoing mechanism has been the subject of considerable scientific speculation. It undoubtedly involves a chemical reaction between the eelworm body and the fungus. Just as researchers made attempts to fool Venus' flytraps with probes made of glass, wood or metal, they have also tried to trick the fungus. But to no avail, the fungal noose refused to tighten up. Other species of these unusual fungi catch their prey with hundreds of sticky, adhesive pads, similar to the glue-like, gland-tipped hairs and sticky leaves of sundews and butterworts.

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