1) When bacteria and fungi are competing for the similar resources, the bacteria generally dominate and prevent the fungi from growing. As an outcome, fungi have adapted so that they can live (and thrive) in environments which are very hostile to bacteria. Give five illustrations of fungal adaptations which allow them to colonize environments which are hostile to bacteria.
2) Most of the antibiotics, comprising penicillin, are derived from fungi. Explain why do you think fungi produce these substances? In addition, fungi frequently secrete substances into the foods which they are attacking that make these foods unpalatable or even poisonous to other creatures. What type of benefit would these substances give the fungi?