Abstract

Exploratory foraging and resource acquisition by a wood-decomposing fungus (Phanerochaete velutina)

Saprotrophic fungi decomposing wood on the forest floor must acquire resources which are heterogeneously distributed in space and time. Discrete discs of cellulose and glass fibre were used to investigate the marginal responses of Phanaerochate velutina in a simple microcosm. The exploratory responses of the fungus to the baits are analysed. Mathematical simulations are used to explore the adaptive significance of the foraging behaviour.