Assess Fungal Ecological Role
Given a fungal species or community:
- Classify primary ecological strategy: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, endophytic, or lichenized.
- Identify the substrate or host organism.
- Describe the nutrient flows involved (what the fungus provides, what it receives).
- Assess ecosystem-level function: decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil formation, plant health.
- Note any known interactions with other organisms (bacteria, insects, plants).
- Connect to broader ecosystem context (forest health, agricultural implications).