In this article we will discuss about the origin and evolution of ascomycetes. The phylogeny of Ascomycetes is still uncertain. The supporters of polyphyletic origin of fungi from the various classes of algae derive the Ascomycetes from the red algae (presumably the Florideae). The floridean hypothesis was first proposed by Sachs in 1875. The-adherents of this hypothesis such as Thaxter [...]
In this article we will discuss about the economic importance of ascomycetes. The saprophytic Ascomycetes such as yeasts, blue molds and green molds which are cosmopolitan in their distribution are of great value to man. They play an important role in the production of food and medicine. The yeasts ferment sugar to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. The entire brewing [...]
The following points highlight the seven main evolutionary tendencies of Ascomycetes. (i) The gradual transition from the aquatic forms to purely terrestrial species noticeable in the Phycomycetes culminates in the Ascomycetes which are fungi of drier, terrestrial habitats completely lacking motile cells in their life cycle. (ii) The tendency towards increased septation of hyphae in the advanced Zygomycetes becomes firmly [...]