Survival Challenges Faced:
Do not face many survival challenges as they are extremely abundant, and thrive on fruits and breads, and other organic matter. Species of the phylum Zygomycota face slight competition with the much larger phylum Dikarya.
Unique Adaptations:
The main adaptation is the production of zygospores. Zygomycota are able to reproduce both sexually and asexually which helps ensure survival of the species. When environmental conditions are not favorable, organisms are able to reproduce sexually or stay in a dormant stage before germination. Another adaptation is that their life cycle and reproduction rate is very fast allowing the fungus to grow quickly, often unnoticed. Their hyphae are coenocytic, meaning that they have no septa. With no cross-walls to slow the flow of cytoplasm these organisms can extend their hyphae rapidly into new territory.
Do not face many survival challenges as they are extremely abundant, and thrive on fruits and breads, and other organic matter. Species of the phylum Zygomycota face slight competition with the much larger phylum Dikarya.
Unique Adaptations:
The main adaptation is the production of zygospores. Zygomycota are able to reproduce both sexually and asexually which helps ensure survival of the species. When environmental conditions are not favorable, organisms are able to reproduce sexually or stay in a dormant stage before germination. Another adaptation is that their life cycle and reproduction rate is very fast allowing the fungus to grow quickly, often unnoticed. Their hyphae are coenocytic, meaning that they have no septa. With no cross-walls to slow the flow of cytoplasm these organisms can extend their hyphae rapidly into new territory.