Fungi: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions Book 455)

The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Tens of thousands of fungal species have been described and many more are known only from the abundance of their genes in soil and water. Fungi are hugely important as agents of wood decay in forests, and, as parasites, they have caused the deaths of millions of people by ravaging crops and reshaping our natural ecosystems.Fungi also perform a variety of essential functions in ecosystems, and are important to both agriculture and biotechnology. Their importance is now becoming greatly appreciated among scientists, though there is much still to be understood concerning their taxonomy and evolution. This __Very Short____Introduction__ highlights the variety and extraordinary natures of fungi, revealing the remarkable facts of fungal biology and the global significance of these enchanting organisms. **ABOUT THE SERIES:** The __Very Short Introductions__ series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Tens of thousands of fungal species have been described and many more are known only from the abundance of their genes in soil and water. Fungi are hugely important as agents of wood decay in forests, and, as parasites, they have caused the deaths of millions of people by ravaging crops and reshaping our natural ecosystems. Fungi also perform a variety of essential functions in ecosystems, and are important to both agriculture and biotechnology. Their importance is now becoming greatly appreciated among scientists, though there is much still to be understood concerning their taxonomy and evolution. This Very Short Introduction highlights the variety and extraordinary natures of fungi, revealing the remarkable facts of fungal biology and the global significance of these enchanting organisms. ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Tens of thousands of fungal species have been described and many more are known only from the abundance of their genes in soil and water. Fungi are hugely important as agents of wood decay in forests, and, as parasites, they have caused the deaths of millions of people by ravaging crops and reshaping natural ecosystems. Fungi perform a variety of essential functions in ecosystems, and are important to both agriculture and biotechnology. Their importance is now becoming better appreciated among scientists, though there is much still to be understood concerning their taxonomy and evolution. This Very Short Introduction highlights the variety and extraordinary natures of fungi, revealing the remarkable facts of fungal biology and the global significance of these enchanting organisms. About the Series: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. The Variety Of The Mycological World Is Far Greater Than Most People Imagine. Some Fungi Kill Trees And Ravage Crops, And Pathogenic Fungi Can Infect Animals And Even Humans. But Fungi Also Play Crucial Roles In Ecosystems. They Act As Agents Of Wood Decay In Forests, And Symbiotic Relationships With Mycorrhizal Fungi Are Vital To Many Plants. In This Very Short Introduction Nicholas P. Money Explains The Essential Functions Performed By Fungi, The Importance Of Studying Them To Contain Fungal Diseases, And How Fungi Are Being Used In Agriculture, Biotechnology, And Medicine. -- From Cover Flap. What Is A Fungus? -- Fungal Diversity -- Fungal Genetics And Life Cycles -- Fungal Mutualisms -- Fungi As Parasites Of Plants -- Fungi And Decomposition -- Fungi In Animal Health And Disease -- Edible Mushrooms And Fungal Biotechnology. Nicholas P. Money. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 127-129) And Index. Le rabat de la couverture indique: The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Some fungi kill trees and ravage crops, and pathogenic fungi can infect animals and even humans. But fungi also play crucial roles in ecosystems. They act as agents of wood decay in forests, and symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi are vital to many plants. In this Very Short Introduction Nicholas P. Money explains the essential functions performed by fungi, the importance of studying them to contain fungal diseases, and how fungi are being used in agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine What is a fungus? -- Fungal diversity -- Fungal genetics and life cycles -- Fungal mutualisms -- Fungi as parasites of plants -- Fungi and decomposition -- Fungi in animal health and disease -- Edible mushrooms and fungal biotechnology.;Fungi form an entire biological kingdom, and represent a great diversity of organisms. They are found in the soil, in the air, and on the surfaces of plants and animals. In this Very Short Introduction, Nicholas P. Money highlights the various effects of fungi on living organisms and considers their broader significance on our planet.