GED Science Practice

What is a fungus?

1. Twins who develop from two separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no more similar than brother or sisters but they have the same fetal environment

2. fuel consisting of the remains of organisms preserved in rocks in the earth's crust with high carbon and hydrogen content

3. a parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll and leaves and true stems and roots and reproducing by spores

4. (ecology) a community of organisms where there are several interrelated food chains

The correct answer is: a parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll and leaves and true stems and roots and reproducing by spores

A fungus is defined as a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll, true leaves, stems, and roots, and reproduces through spores. This definition highlights the unique characteristics of fungi, distinguishing them from other forms of life. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis due to the absence of chlorophyll. Instead, many fungi absorb nutrients from their environment, often parasitically, which is integral to their ecological role. In this context, fungi play essential roles in various ecosystems, such as decomposers that break down organic matter, thereby recycling nutrients back into the soil. Additionally, their reproductive process through spores allows them to spread and colonize new environments efficiently. This understanding is foundational to biology and ecology, as it underscores the importance of fungi in nutrient cycling and their interaction with other organisms within an ecosystem.