Myxomycetes 301 Microscopic Identfication Quiz

Which spore feature is most reliable for species-level identification? *
What is the minimum recommended number of spores to measure for reliable identification? *
Which ornamentation type appears net-like under high magnification? *
Elaters are most commonly associated with which genus group? *
What is the primary function of the capillitium? *
A columella is best described as: *
Immature Stemonitis coloration can be used alone for species identification. *
Capillitium structure is often more taxonomically useful than macroscopic color alone. *
Oil immersion microscopy is unnecessary for all spore ornamentation analysis. *
Peridium structure may vary between species and is taxonomically informative. *

You observe a specimen with the following traits:

  • Dark brown spores (10–12 µm)
  • Well-developed columella
  • Dense net-like capillitium
  • Tall clustered sporocarps on decaying wood

A specimen shows smooth spores, lime deposits in the peridium, and irregular capillitium nodes.

Given the following characteristics, key this out to species using the attached resource Myxomycetes for this curriculum

  • Sporangia
    • pale
    • vinaceous
    • stalked
  • Capilltium
    • no calcium
    • coming off the entire collumella
    • creating a surface net
  • Spores
    • nearly smooth
    • free
    • not reticulate
    • 5-7µm
    • black or dark purplish brown in mass
  • Peridium
    • evanescent
    • replaced with surface net
  • Sporocarp
    • 7-15mm tall
    • clustered in large fruitings
    • no wax
  • Collumella
    • very present
    • rising nearly to the apex
What is your answer? *

This keys out to .

Likert Scale Questions —
Myxomycetes 301

Course Evaluation Questions

The lessons improved my ability to use a microscope for myxomycete identification. *
Less true
More true
I can confidently distinguish and interpret major microscopic features such as spores, capillitium, and columellae. *
Less true
More true
The case studies and identification exercises helped me understand how taxonomic keys are applied in practice. *
Less true
More true
The course provided enough examples and explanations to prepare me for independent microscopic identification work. *
Less true
More true
After completing this course, I feel more confident documenting and reporting myxomycete identifications using scientific methods. *
Less true
More true

Optional Advanced Question

The balance between field observations and microscopic analysis was appropriate for learning myxomycete taxonomy.
Less true
More true

Optional Course Satisfaction Question

Overall, I am satisfied with the content and educational value of Myxomycetes 301.
Less true
More true