Wood Decay Fungi primarily feed on what material?

Wood Decay Fungi primarily feed on structural components of wood, specifically cellulose and lignin, which are the key components that give wood its strength and structural integrity. These fungi play a critical role in the natural decomposition process, breaking down dead or decaying trees and wooden structures. By digesting these structural components, wood decay fungi facilitate nutrient cycling within ecosystems, contributing to soil health and the growth of new plant life.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary food source of wood decay fungi. While leaves and stems might decompose through different types of fungi, those are not the focus for wood decay fungi, which specifically target wood. Similarly, organic matter in soil and dead insects do not provide the structural materials that wood decay fungi specialize in digesting.