Fungradi polarus

Fungradi polarus
Creator	Artemis is gone for a while
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	J
Roles	Producer
Classification
Genus	Fungradi
Species	Fungradi polarus
Evolution
Date	March 3rd, 2019
Ancestor	Unknown
Descendants	Fungradi atelus Fungradi cartius

These radiotrophic producers use ionising radiation in zone J to create food. This functions via melanin in the cells capturing the radiation. They grow in dome shapes on the surface of the zone, with mycelium connecting each dome in a vast network stretching across the zone. They have eschewed spores, instead relying on their fast-growing hyphae to expand. They reproduce via fragmentation, causing all of the individuals to be more or less genetically identical (although they do get exposed to a good bit of radiation. A single dome is around 5cm in diameter, and approximately 1.5 to 2 cm tall, with each dome generally taking half a year or so to mature. They are multicellular, although have no cell differentiation, with the same cells being clumped together in a group for each dome or a strand for hyphae. They live in the majority of the zone, but prefer higher areas to allow for greater radiation to hit them. Due to the high growth rate and population of the hyphae, they break down rocks and stone via the mechanical action of the hyphae going through the rocks, leaving smaller pieces in its place.