Fungi play a much larger and more significant role in the decomposition of terrestrial biomass than they do in marine ecosystems. This is because fungi
A) do not thrive in a marine environment.
B) outcompete bacteria in terrestrial habitats.
C) can degrade the abundant lignin in terrestrial habitats.
D) decompose leghemoglobin rapidly.
E) degrade human waste faster than bacteria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungi can degrade lignin, a complex molecule found in plant cell walls, which is a major component of terrestrial biomass. Marine ecosystems do not have as much lignin, so fungi play a lesser role in decomposition compared to bacteria.

Fungi Play a Much Larger and More Significant Role in the Decomposition