Fungal farming - Revision history

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2023-05-10T18:05:54Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 10 May 2023
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	== '''Farming Process''' ==		== '''Farming Process''' ==

	Similar to human agriculture, fungus farmers must go through a process to prepare and care for their crops. In order to culture fungi, farmers must prepare the substrate and inoculate their crop in prime growing conditions. Growers must also tend to their crop as it grows to ensure the success of the crop. Tending to crops can be in the form of fertilization or as protection from competition, pests, and pathogens. Once the crop is fully grown the farmers can harvest and consume the fungi.[1][3] Subsisting on farmed fungus over time creates a nutritional dependency.[2] Fungus farming relationships are obligate mutualisms because both the fungus and farmer rely on each other due to generations of the dependency.[4]		Similar to human [[agriculture]], fungus farmers must go through a process to prepare and care for their crops. In order to culture fungi, farmers must prepare the substrate and inoculate their crop in prime growing conditions. Growers must also tend to their crop as it grows to ensure the success of the crop. Tending to crops can be in the form of fertilization or as protection from competition, pests, and pathogens. Once the crop is fully grown the farmers can harvest and consume the fungi.[1][3] Subsisting on farmed fungus over time creates a nutritional dependency.[2] Fungus farming relationships are obligate mutualisms because both the fungus and farmer rely on each other due to generations of the dependency.[4]

	The exact process a fungus farmer goes through to cultivate their crop can vary among species of farmers, as well as species of fungi. Fungus cultivation can be characterized as either high-level food production or low-level food production.[5] Low-level food production consists of altering the environment to promote or protect the fungus. High-level fungus production involves more complicated steps such as transporting and planting the fungus, fertilization, and protecting the crops physically or chemically.[5][3]		The exact process a fungus farmer goes through to cultivate their crop can vary among species of farmers, as well as species of fungi. Fungus cultivation can be characterized as either high-level food production or low-level food production.[5] Low-level food production consists of altering the environment to promote or protect the fungus. High-level fungus production involves more complicated steps such as transporting and planting the fungus, fertilization, and protecting the crops physically or chemically.[5][3]
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	==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===		==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===

	The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''Formicidae''), [[termites]](''Isoptera''), and beetles(''[[Coleoptera]]''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 [[insects]] resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]		The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''[[Formicidae]]''), [[termites]](''Isoptera''), and beetles(''[[Coleoptera]]''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 [[insects]] resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]

	===='''Ants'''====		===='''Ants'''====

Njhenshu: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2023-03-31T18:28:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 31 March 2023
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	==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===		==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===

	The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''Formicidae''), termites(''Isoptera''), and beetles(''[[Coleoptera]]''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 [[insects]] resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]		The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''Formicidae''), [[termites]](''Isoptera''), and beetles(''[[Coleoptera]]''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 [[insects]] resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]

	===='''Ants'''====		===='''Ants'''====

Ddietric at 04:01, 5 May 2021

2021-05-05T04:01:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:01, 5 May 2021
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	Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial and often results in obligate relationships.[1]~~<!--I Think the previous two sentences can be merged.~~ (~~done~~)~~-->~~		Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial and often results in obligate relationships.[1] [[File:Screenshot (15).png\|thumb\|Leaf cutter ants carrying leaves to feed their fungus crop.]]

	Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail which indicates that this phenomenon may be more common than previously thought. <!--I think this sentence could read "while it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail. (done)" -->		Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail which indicates that this phenomenon may be more common than previously thought. <!--I think this sentence could read "while it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail. (done)" -->

Njhenshu: The LinkTitles extension automatically added links to existing pages (https://github.com/bovender/LinkTitles).

2021-04-29T17:04:26Z

Ddietric at 04:30, 21 April 2021

2021-04-21T04:30:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:30, 21 April 2021
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	Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial.[1] ~~These relationships are typically obligate because both species could not survive without the other.~~ <!--I Think the previous two sentences can be merged.-->		Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial and often results in obligate relationships.[1]<!--I Think the previous two sentences can be merged. (done)-->

	Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought ~~that this behavior was only found in~~ insects, recent findings ~~have~~ uncovered a snail that ~~farms fungus~~. <!--I think this sentence could read "while it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail." -->		Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail which indicates that this phenomenon may be more common than previously thought. <!--I think this sentence could read "while it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail. (done)" -->

	== '''Farming Process''' ==		== '''Farming Process''' ==

	Similar to human agriculture, fungus farmers must go through a process to prepare and care for their crops. In order to culture fungi, farmers must prepare the substrate and inoculate their crop in prime growing conditions. Growers must also tend to their crop as it grows to ensure the success of the crop. Tending to crops can be in the form of fertilization or as protection from competition, pests, and pathogens. Once the crop is fully grown the farmers can harvest and consume the fungi.[1][3]. Subsisting on farmed fungus over time creates a nutritional dependency.[2] Fungus farming relationships are obligate mutualisms because both the fungus and farmer rely on each other due to generations of the dependency.[4]		Similar to human agriculture, fungus farmers must go through a process to prepare and care for their crops. In order to culture fungi, farmers must prepare the substrate and inoculate their crop in prime growing conditions. Growers must also tend to their crop as it grows to ensure the success of the crop. Tending to crops can be in the form of fertilization or as protection from competition, pests, and pathogens. Once the crop is fully grown the farmers can harvest and consume the fungi.[1][3] Subsisting on farmed fungus over time creates a nutritional dependency.[2] Fungus farming relationships are obligate mutualisms because both the fungus and farmer rely on each other due to generations of the dependency.[4]

	The exact process a fungus farmer goes through to cultivate their crop can vary among species of farmers, as well as species of fungi. Fungus cultivation can be characterized as either high-level food production or low-level food production.[5] Low-level food production consists of altering the environment to promote or protect the fungus. High-level fungus production involves more complicated steps such as transporting and planting the fungus, fertilization, and protecting the crops physically or chemically.[5][3]		The exact process a fungus farmer goes through to cultivate their crop can vary among species of farmers, as well as species of fungi. Fungus cultivation can be characterized as either high-level food production or low-level food production.[5] Low-level food production consists of altering the environment to promote or protect the fungus. High-level fungus production involves more complicated steps such as transporting and planting the fungus, fertilization, and protecting the crops physically or chemically.[5][3]

Seanduff at 04:18, 14 April 2021

2021-04-14T04:18:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:18, 14 April 2021
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	The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]		The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]

	<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->		<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->

Seanduff at 04:17, 14 April 2021

2021-04-14T04:17:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:17, 14 April 2021
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	The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]		The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]

	<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->		<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->

Seanduff at 04:17, 14 April 2021

2021-04-14T04:17:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:17, 14 April 2021
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	Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial.[1] These relationships are typically obligate because both species could not survive without the other.		Fungus farming is a form of symbiosis between fungi and fungi-growing organism in which a species facilitates the growth of a fungal species in order to create a stable food supply. This mutualistic behavior is an example of how two species can co-evolve over time through interactions that are mutually beneficial.[1] These relationships are typically obligate because both species could not survive without the other. <!--I Think the previous two sentences can be merged.-->

	Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought that this behavior was only found in insects, recent findings have uncovered a snail that farms fungus.		Fungus farming is thought to have originated some 30-60 million years ago and evolved in three different insects, specifically ants, beetles, and termites.[2] While it was previously thought that this behavior was only found in insects, recent findings have uncovered a snail that farms fungus. <!--I think this sentence could read "while it was previously thought to be exclusive to insects, recent findings has uncovered this behavior in a species of snail." -->

	== '''Farming Process''' ==		== '''Farming Process''' ==
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	The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]		The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]
			<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->

	==References==		==References==

Ddietric at 02:27, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T02:27:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:27, 9 April 2021
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	Once the comb burrow has been dug out the termites prepare the combs by depositing feces. The feces is nutrient rich and mixed with semi-digested plant material such as leaves, grass, and wood.[2] The termites grow a specific fungus known as Termitomyces, which belong to the Basidiomycota. These fungi can survive the digestion of the termites when consumed and this allows the termites to deposit both the fungal spores and fecal matter together in the combs. [2] Depositing the spores and feces allows the termites to plant their crop but also fertilize it at the same time. Unlike the attine ants, the fungi planted by termites grow until they form fruiting bodies and spores.[11] The farmers then harvest and consume the fungi, but since the spores can survive the gut of the termite the cycle can continue.		Once the comb burrow has been dug out the termites prepare the combs by depositing feces. The feces is nutrient rich and mixed with semi-digested plant material such as leaves, grass, and wood.[2] The termites grow a specific fungus known as Termitomyces, which belong to the Basidiomycota. These fungi can survive the digestion of the termites when consumed and this allows the termites to deposit both the fungal spores and fecal matter together in the combs. [2] Depositing the spores and feces allows the termites to plant their crop but also fertilize it at the same time. Unlike the attine ants, the fungi planted by termites grow until they form fruiting bodies and spores.[11] The farmers then harvest and consume the fungi, but since the spores can survive the gut of the termite the cycle can continue.


	===='''Beetles'''====		===='''Beetles'''====

Ddietric: New article about fungus cultivation

2021-04-10T02:26:42Z

New article about fungus cultivation

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 29 April 2021
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	==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===		==='''Terrestrial Systems'''===

	The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''Formicidae''), termites(''Isoptera''), and beetles(''Coleoptera''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 insects resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]		The majority of fungus farming mutualisms are found in terrestrial systems because this relationship evolved in 3 distinct insect lineages, ants(''Formicidae''), termites(''Isoptera''), and beetles(''[[Coleoptera]]''). These mutualisms evolved independently in each of the 3 [[insects]] resulting in unique farming practices between the various farmers.[2]

	===='''Ants'''====		===='''Ants'''====
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	Fungus-growing ants are a monophyletic group that is a part of the Formicidae family and grouped together into a tribe known as Attina. Attine ants are thought to have originated around 40-60 million years ago in the tropical forests of South America.[6][7] Currently there are more than 200 known species of attine ants, including the well-known leaf-cutter ants, and they are all found in the western hemisphere, in tropical rainforests.[5] It is currently unknown how these farming relationships started, but there have been 2 models put forward to try and explain its origins.[7] The “consumption first” model states that the cultured fungi began as part of the ant’s diet and overtime the ants started to grow the fungi which then lead to the transferring and spread of the crop.[7] The opposing model is called the “transmission first” model which states the fungi could have been dispersed by the ants before they became part of their diet.[7]		Fungus-growing ants are a monophyletic group that is a part of the Formicidae family and grouped together into a tribe known as Attina. Attine ants are thought to have originated around 40-60 million years ago in the tropical forests of South America.[6][7] Currently there are more than 200 known species of attine ants, including the well-known leaf-cutter ants, and they are all found in the western hemisphere, in tropical rainforests.[5] It is currently unknown how these farming relationships started, but there have been 2 models put forward to try and explain its origins.[7] The “consumption first” model states that the cultured fungi began as part of the ant’s diet and overtime the ants started to grow the fungi which then lead to the transferring and spread of the crop.[7] The opposing model is called the “transmission first” model which states the fungi could have been dispersed by the ants before they became part of their diet.[7]
	[[File:Atta colombica queen.jpg\|thumb\|An ''Atta colombica'' queen and workers standing in their fungal farm. ''Atta colombica'' is a species of leafcutter ants.]]		[[File:Atta colombica queen.jpg\|thumb\|An ''Atta colombica'' queen and workers standing in their fungal farm. ''Atta colombica'' is a species of leafcutter ants.]]
	The farming process begins when a young female leaves the mother colony to find her own. The founding ant brings with her some fugus from the parent colony to start the farm for the new colony. The farms are grown in enclosed, often subterranean burrows and the ants must collect some type of growth material and substrate to propagate their crop. Most attine farmers grow Basidiomycota fungi, with a majority of fungi belonging to the Leucocoprinus genus.[8] While the crops grow the ants must tend to their crop and this can include fertilization with organic and fecal material or weeding of unwanted invaders or predators. [1] While the general process of fungal farming is relatively similar between different species of attine ants, there are some unique differences. Throughout the history of the fungus farming ants there have been five agriculture systems that have been observed. The five agriculture systems of attine ants are 1) Lower agriculture, 2) Coral-fungal agriculture, 3) Yeast agriculture, 4) Generalized higher agriculture, and 5) Leafcutter agriculture.[8]		The farming process begins when a young female leaves the mother colony to find her own. The founding ant brings with her some fugus from the parent colony to start the farm for the new colony. The farms are grown in enclosed, often subterranean burrows and the ants must collect some type of growth material and substrate to propagate their crop. Most attine farmers grow [[Basidiomycota]] fungi, with a majority of fungi belonging to the Leucocoprinus genus.[8] While the crops grow the ants must tend to their crop and this can include fertilization with organic and fecal material or weeding of unwanted invaders or predators. [1] While the general process of fungal farming is relatively similar between different species of attine ants, there are some unique differences. Throughout the history of the fungus farming ants there have been five agriculture systems that have been observed. The five agriculture systems of attine ants are 1) Lower agriculture, 2) Coral-fungal agriculture, 3) Yeast agriculture, 4) Generalized higher agriculture, and 5) Leafcutter agriculture.[8]

	Lower agriculture refers to the simplest and oldest form of fungal farming. Ants belonging to this system culture Leucocoprinus fungi and employ a number of different substrate types including bits of grasses, fruit flesh, seeds, insect waste, wood, flower parts, and other organic materials.[8]		Lower agriculture refers to the simplest and oldest form of fungal farming. Ants belonging to this system culture Leucocoprinus fungi and employ a number of different substrate types including bits of grasses, fruit flesh, seeds, insect waste, wood, flower parts, and other organic materials.[8]

	Coral-fungal agriculture differs from the other systems because this agricultural system grows Pterulaceae fungi instead of fungi belonging to the Leucocoprineae. This system is poorly studied but some of the substrates that have been found are insect frass, seeds, detritus material, wood, and even arthropod parts.[8]		Coral-fungal agriculture differs from the other systems because this agricultural system grows Pterulaceae fungi instead of fungi belonging to the Leucocoprineae. This system is poorly studied but some of the substrates that have been found are insect frass, seeds, detritus material, wood, and even [[arthropod]] parts.[8]

	Yeast agriculture is where the attine ants grow yeats-like fungi that are closely related to Leucocoprineae. In this system the fungi are grown as unicellular nodules rather than a multicellular phase.[8] The substrate that is typically used for this system is arthropod waste, but there have been some species that reguritate nectar and sap onto the crops to promote its growth.[8]		Yeast agriculture is where the attine ants grow yeats-like fungi that are closely related to Leucocoprineae. In this system the fungi are grown as unicellular nodules rather than a multicellular phase.[8] The substrate that is typically used for this system is arthropod waste, but there have been some species that reguritate nectar and sap onto the crops to promote its growth.[8]
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	===='''Marine snail'''====		===='''Marine snail'''====

	The Periwinkle snail, ''Littoraria irrorata'', is the first observed example of fungal farming that is not associated with terrestrial systems or insects. This snail is a grazer that is typically found on marsh cordgrasses, such as ''Spartina alterniflora''. [1] While it was previously though that these snails were detritivores, researchers discovered that the snail is an active grazer of these grasses. [1] This grazing is a key part of the fungal farming process.		The Periwinkle snail, ''Littoraria irrorata'', is the first observed example of fungal farming that is not associated with terrestrial systems or insects. This snail is a grazer that is typically found on marsh cordgrasses, such as ''Spartina alterniflora''. [1] While it was previously though that these snails were [[detritivores]], researchers discovered that the snail is an active grazer of these grasses. [1] This grazing is a key part of the fungal farming process.
	[[File:Marsh_periwinkle_001.jpg\|thumb\|''Littoraria irrorata'' on marsh grasses where their fungal farms are located]]		[[File:Marsh_periwinkle_001.jpg\|thumb\|''Littoraria irrorata'' on marsh grasses where their fungal farms are located]]

	The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for ascomycete fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]		The first step in the farming process of these snails is preparing the substrate. To prepare the substrate the snail uses its radulae to cut openings in the leaf surface. This activity is mainly to promote the growth of fungi because the snails do not feed on the cut plant material. [1] The wounds expose the inner plant material which is a nutritious food source for [[ascomycete]] fungi and these fungi populate around these wounds. To increase the success of their farming efforts, the snail will deposit fecal pellets that are rich in nitrogen and hyphae onto the open wounds where the fungi have invaded. [1] These fecal pellets act as a fertilizer for the fungi and may also increase propagules due to the hyphae, although it is unknown whether the hyphae are vital. [1] Some unique aspects of the fungal farming process of these snails is that they do not inoculate their crop or weed out unwanted invaders. [1] The spores of these fungi are rather abundant in the system so snails do not need to find spores because they already present. [1] Even though the fungi are the preferred food of the snails, this relationship is facultative for both species. [1]
	<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->		<!--Overall I think youve done a really good job at presenting and structuring your page! I would only suggest altering some sentences for them to sound more formal.-->

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	[4] Toki, W., Tanahashi, M., Togashi, K., Fukatsu, T., 2012. Fungal farming in a non-social beetle. PLoS One 7. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0041893		[4] Toki, W., Tanahashi, M., Togashi, K., Fukatsu, T., 2012. Fungal farming in a non-social beetle. PLoS One 7. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0041893

	[5] Rehner, S. a, 2005. Phyllogenetics of the insect pathogenic genus Beauveria, Insect-fungal associations: ecology and evolution.		[5] Rehner, S. a, 2005. Phyllogenetics of the insect pathogenic genus Beauveria, Insect-fungal associations: [[ecology]] and evolution.

	[6] Branstetter, M.G., Ješovnik, A., Sosa-Calvo, J., Lloyd, M.W., Faircloth, B.C., Brady, S.G., Schultz, T.R., 2017. Dry habitats were crucibles of domestication in the evolution of agriculture in ants. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 284. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.0095		[6] Branstetter, M.G., Ješovnik, A., Sosa-Calvo, J., Lloyd, M.W., Faircloth, B.C., Brady, S.G., Schultz, T.R., 2017. Dry habitats were crucibles of domestication in the evolution of agriculture in ants. Proc. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 284. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.0095
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	[7] Mueller, U.G., Schultz, T.R., Currie, C.R., Adams, R.M.M., Schultz, R., 2001. The Origin of the Attine Ant-Fungus Mutualism David Malloch Source : The Quarterly Review of Biology , Vol . 76 , No . 2 ( Jun ., 2001 ), pp . 169-197 Published by : The University of Chicago Press Stable URL : http://www.jstor.org/stable/2664003 . The Un 76, 169–197.		[7] Mueller, U.G., Schultz, T.R., Currie, C.R., Adams, R.M.M., Schultz, R., 2001. The Origin of the Attine Ant-Fungus Mutualism David Malloch Source : The Quarterly Review of Biology , Vol . 76 , No . 2 ( Jun ., 2001 ), pp . 169-197 Published by : The University of Chicago Press Stable URL : http://www.jstor.org/stable/2664003 . The Un 76, 169–197.

	[8] Mehdiabadi, N.J., Schultz, T.R., 2009. Natural histroy and phylogeny of the fungus-farming ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini). Myrmecological News 13, 37–55		[8] Mehdiabadi, N.J., Schultz, T.R., 2009. Natural histroy and phylogeny of the fungus-farming ants ([[Hymenoptera]]: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini). Myrmecological News 13, 37–55

	[9] Rodrigues, A., Bacci, M., Mueller, U.G., Ortiz, A., Pagnocca, F.C., 2008. Microfungal “weeds” in the leafcutter ant symbiosis. Microb. Ecol. 56, 604–614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-008-9380-0		[9] Rodrigues, A., Bacci, M., Mueller, U.G., Ortiz, A., Pagnocca, F.C., 2008. Microfungal “weeds” in the leafcutter ant symbiosis. Microb. Ecol. 56, 604–614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-008-9380-0