Maser, Chris; Trappe, James M.; Nussbaum, R. A. 1978. Fungal-small mammal interrelationships with emphasis on Oregon coniferous forests. Ecology. 59(4): 799-809.
Most higher plants have evolved with an obligatory symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal
fungi. Epigeous mycorrhiza formers have their spores dispersed by air currents, but hypogeous
mycorrhizal fungi are dependent upon small mammals as primary vectors of spore dissemination.
Mammalian mycophagists defecate within the coniferous forest ecosystem. spreading the
viable spores necessary for survival and health of the conifers. As one unravels and begins to understand
the interrelationships between small-mammal mycophagists and mycorrhizal fungi, it becomes
apparent that the various roles of small mammals in the coniferous forest ecosystem need to
he reevaluated. One can no longer accept such simplistic solutions to timber management as poisoning
forest rodents to "enhance" tree survival. One must consider the direct as well as the indirect costs
and benefits of timber management decisions if one is to maintain balanced, healthy coniferous forests.
Key words: Ectomycorrhizae; higher plants; hypogeous fungi; obligatory symbiotic relationships;
Oregon: rodent diet; small-mammal mycophagy; spore dispersal; vesicular-arbusclar mycorrhizae .