Daily Current Affairs : 31-August-2023
In recent news, the United Nations Biodiversity has called upon people worldwide to adopt a new term in their vocabulary – ‘funga.’ This plea is not just about linguistic change; it’s a call to recognize and emphasize the vital role of fungi in our ecosystems. In this essay, we will delve into the world of fungi, exploring their significance, diversity, and remarkable abilities.
The Six Kingdoms of Biology
Before we venture deeper into the realm of fungi, let’s understand where they fit in the grand scheme of biology. In the biological classification system, fungi belong to one of the six kingdoms, alongside animals, plants, protists, archaea/archaebacteria, and bacteria/eubacteria. These kingdoms encompass the vast tapestry of life on Earth.
Fungi: A Diverse Kingdom
Fungi are a unique group of organisms, showcasing an astonishing array of forms, behaviors, and life cycle patterns. Unlike plants, they do not possess chlorophyll, which means they cannot perform photosynthesis to produce their own food. Instead, fungi are heterotrophic, relying on external sources for nutrition. They are also eukaryotic, sharing this characteristic with animals and plants.
The Fungal Multitude
When it comes to fungal diversity, the numbers are staggering. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.5 million species of fungi on our planet. These fungi can be found almost everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks. They are truly cosmopolitan in their distribution.
Fungi’s Ecological Roles
Fungi play various crucial roles in ecosystems. Their ecological functions include:
- Saprotrophs: Many fungi serve as nature’s recyclers, breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
- Biotrophs: Some fungi act as parasites or hyperparasites, sustaining themselves by infecting other organisms.
- Mutualists: Fungi engage in mutualistic relationships with plants, forming mycorrhizae that aid in nutrient uptake and protection.
Adaptable Survivors
Fungi are remarkably adaptable. They can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, typically growing between 0°C to 30°C, with an optimal range of 20°C to 30°C. Some fungi can endure extreme conditions, surviving temperatures as low as 5°C or as high as 50°C. This adaptability makes them resilient in diverse habitats.
Fungi’s Human Connection
Throughout history, humans have harnessed the power of fungi for various purposes. Some ancient uses of fungi include their role in crafting dairy products and fermenting alcoholic beverages, demonstrating their significance in our culinary and cultural traditions.
Fungi and Human Health
While most fungi are harmless or beneficial, a handful can cause diseases in animals and humans. Common fungal infections in humans include conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and thrush. These infections highlight the importance of understanding and managing fungal interactions with our bodies.
Important Points:
- Fungi are Often Overlooked: The United Nations Biodiversity urges people globally to use the word ‘funga’ alongside ‘flora and fauna’ to raise awareness about the importance of fungi.
- Fungi Belong to Six Biological Kingdoms: Fungi are one of the six kingdoms of biology, along with animals, plants, protists, archaea/archaebacteria, and bacteria/eubacteria.
- Diverse Fungal Kingdom: Fungi exhibit significant variations in form, behavior, and life cycle patterns.
- Heterotrophic and Eukaryotic: Unlike plants, fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they rely on external sources for nutrition. They are also eukaryotic, like animals and plants.
- Vast Fungal Diversity: There are approximately 1.5 million species of fungi with cosmopolitan distribution across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats.
- Ecological Roles: Fungi serve critical ecological functions as saprotrophs, biotrophs (parasites or hyperparasites), and mutualists (symbionts).
- Adaptability: Fungi can thrive in a wide range of temperatures, from 0°C to 30°C, with some species tolerating extreme conditions as low as 5°C or as high as 50°C.
- Human Uses: Fungi have been used by humans since ancient times to make dairy products and alcoholic beverages, highlighting their cultural and culinary significance.
- Impact on Human Health: While most fungi are harmless or beneficial, some can cause diseases in animals and humans, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and thrush.
- ‘Funga’ Awareness: The call to use ‘funga’ alongside ‘flora and fauna’ is a call to recognize and appreciate fungi’s vital role in ecosystems and human life.
Why In News
The United Nations Biodiversity has fervently encouraged people worldwide to embrace the term ‘funga’ alongside ‘flora and fauna’ to underscore the crucial role fungi play in our ecosystems. This small linguistic change promises to foster a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked kingdom of fungi within our planet’s rich biodiversity.
MCQs about Fungi
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What is the primary reason for the United Nations Biodiversity’s call to use the word ‘funga’?
A) To promote linguistic diversity
B) To emphasize the importance of fungi
C) To replace the term ‘flora and fauna’
D) To encourage the study of biodiversity
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Which of the following kingdoms of biology do fungi belong to?
A) Animalia
B) Protista
C) Plantae
D) Fungi
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What is a unique characteristic of fungi ?
A) They perform photosynthesis
B) They are prokaryotic
C) They are eukaryotic
D) They are primarily found in marine habitats
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