Question

Describe and explain one major structural similarity between the protistan molds and the zygomycota (bread molds) in terms of reproduction / dispersal. What similarities exist in the ecological function of these different organisms that may have resulted in this similarity? What evidence exists that allows us to view this similarity as a case convergent evolution?

Answer 1

One major similarity between the protistan molds and the zygomycota in terms of reproduction is the production of spores in their asexual reproductive life. Zygomycota reproduces asexually by sporangiospores. These asexual spores are produced in a structure known as sporangia. These spores further form mycelium by asexual reproduction and a mature zygomycota is being formed that again consists of sporangia. In protistan molds ,after the formation of macrocyst after meiosis, haploid sopres are being produced and these spores are then transformed into a fruiting body asexually. So this similarity in reproduction is seen. The ecological similarities between these two is protistan molds are like a beginning phase for zygomycota. This is because they are unicellular eukaryotes from which multicellular mode come into evolutionary line. Now both the molds have similar function that is decomposition. These molds decompose rotten leaves, wood logs , organic matter in different habitat into smaller components. The evidence that allow us to veiw this similarity as a case of convergent evolution is that they are similar in functions but they don not have any common ancestors. This means that protistan molds belong to a different class and kingdom i.e protists while zygomycota is a fungi.

If you like my answer please upvote