How do fungal species help other organisms in their ecosystems?

Question

blues · Answer

Many different ways.

Fungi are decomposers - they break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients in ecosystems. They also have a symbiotic role: structures called rhizzoids (if I correctly remember my intro mycology) which obtain and produce nutrients needed by plants from the environment.

And in terms of maintaining overall stability within ecosystems through typical preditor - prey and competitive mechanisms, well, they are as invaluable as any other species.

blues · Answer

Oops, I mean 'group' instead of 'species.'