In contrast, in terrestrial systems most of the primary productivity is not consumed by the herbivores. The rumen is really a continuous fermenter where the complex carbohydrates of the plant are fermented into methane, carbon dioxide, and fatty acids. In addition, many termites contain protozoans and bacteria in their guts that perform similar operations. The protozoans are capable of digesting cellulose, and bacteria in the gut generate CH 4 from the organic compounds released from the cellulose degradation. Finally, some termites also have bacteria in their guts that are capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, providing a useable nitrogen source for the termite.
Plant roots create a zone of nutrient depletion around themselves.
The added advantage to the plant is that the hyphae can secrete enzymes that break down organic molecules and make inorganic nutrients available. While the plants gain nutrients, the fungi gain carbohydrate food from the plant. Take the Self-Test for this lecture. Links Send feedback to the Global Change Webmaster .