Fungus in the Rainforest
Mychorrhizal
Mychorrhizal are mutalistic relationships that form between fungus and plants. This fungus colonizes the plant roots which provides water and absorption of nutrients. Like the bacteria, they both benefit. While the plant is providing a stable environment, the fungus is able to access the plants carbohydrates and use them as fuel. This is very commonly found among plants and study's show that plants that are mychorrhizal tend to live longer and be healthier.
See how mycorrhizae and mycorrhizal fungi absorb nutrients o by:Mycorrhizal Applications, Inc.
Mold
Mold usually is described as the wooly growth that occurs on damp or decaying organic matter caused from the growth of fungi. Mold can grow on pretty much everything, if its damp or dying. They grow in these places because they do not use light to make there own food which means there more than likely to be found in dark places. Mold consumes dead matter like paper, leaves, cardboard and wood. Sadly indoor mold is linked to human illness and disease. This is because the mold spore are actually allergens. When exposed to this some may experience hay fever ,and/or asthma attacks commonly due to respiratory irritation. Other molds do produce mycotoxins (natural poisons) that are harmful and sometimes fatal to humans.
Mould Time-lapse - The Great British Year: Episode 4 Preview - BBC One by:BBC
Mushrooms
Surprisingly, mushrooms are critical to life. Mushrooms are decomposers, which means they break down matter, when they break them down they break down the nutrients as well so they can be reused by other animals. Mushrooms are so powerful they can break down wood. They are common year-round plants in the rainforest due to the warm climate, the rainforest benefits from this because the mushrooms give soil nutrients which means healthy soil.
Mushroom time lapse Fairy Ink Cap by:francischeefilms