Some Backgrounds for an Ohio Mycobiota

Abstract

The fungi are eukaryotic, nonchlorophyllous, reducer organisms which occupy specific niches in all environments. They are integral parts of any ecosystem, natural or artificial, which may be delimited. Some groups have retained their necessity for an aquatic habitat. Others became adapted to terrestrial habitats as dead organic matter became available for them. Almost as soon as it was available, certain fungi developed enzyme systems for degrading highly complex products of producer plants, consumer animals, and reducer fungi. A cataglogue of Ohio fungi, which is greatly needed, is being developed from herbarium records, reports in the literature, and personal collections. Best examples of fungus populations are found in large undisturbed natural areas.