Fungi Decomposing a Log

This short video briefly examines a fallen oak log that is slowly being decomposed by saprophytic turkey tail mushrooms. This relationship demonstrates the transfer of nutrients and energy from one organism to another. As the fungi grow, they are directly consuming the oak branch, making the branch softer and easy to crumble, and turning the nutrients and calories of the oak into more fungal tissue. Over the years, the nutrients will eventually be turned into fungal spores and blown away (amongst other forms of decomposition) causing the branch to disappear. 

• What do fungi consume?

• How do fungi eat?
• How does this log compare to a living log? What differences do you see?
• What kinds of places do you typically see any type of fungus?

Students could: 

• Conduct an in class activity growing mushrooms and observing this process.
• Complete a notice and wonder activity using the video.
• Discuss how organisms interact with their environment.
• Brainstorm the impacts of an organism being removed from an ecosystem.
• Research and define (in own words) producer, consumer, and decomposer.
• Identify the living and non-living parts of an ecosystem.
• Create, revise, and present a model to simulate the cycling of matter between the living and non-living things in an ecosystem of choice. Specifically indicate where energy is transferred into and out of the system.

• Fungimap | Saprophytic Fungi: General information about saprophytic fungi and how they differ from other types of fungus, especially disease causing fungi. 
• I-MOLD | Interactive Simulation: Use IMOLD to compare how different mathematical models, climate changes, litter types, and ecosystems affect decomposition patterns.
• I-MOLD | Classroom Activities: A collection of activities and lessons developed by educators to teach about carbon/nutrient cycling and decomposition. 
• BEETLES | Decomposition Mission: A very adaptable and complete series of lessons on decomposition. 
• Ag in the Classroom | Fungi Multiplication: Learn about edible mushroom cultivation and how one mushroom multiplies into many more. Create a spore print, and explore ecology concepts by experimenting with mold and yeast growth and researching species of fungi.