saprophytes/molds

[DR. JAMES ADAMS]

Listers,

        I'm really enjoying the slime molds, etc. discussion.  No
question that some of these are the most intriguing organisms on
the face of the earth.

        Ken points out the use of "Fungi" as a taxonomic unit is at
best problematic, and at worst simply wrong.  I understand
completely.  Using fungi vernacularly for generalized public
consumption *is* useful, but is the same as using the term "reptile"
or "moth".  Still means something generally, especially if you
define it well (better than "Fungi" seems to be defined), but it
doesn't matter how well you define the terms if they are para- or
worse polyphyletic.  Still inappropriate from a taxonomic standpoint.

        And I think Jumping Spiders are cute, too!

                James

Dr. James K. Adams
Dept. of Natural Science and Math
Dalton State College
213 N. College Drive
Dalton, GA  30720
Phone: (706)272-4427; fax: (706)272-2533
http://www.daltonstate.edu/galeps/  (Georgia Lepidoptera)
U of Michigan's President James Angell's
  Secret of Success: "Grow antennae, not horns"