Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which type of wood decay fungi is present in wood when moisture content is 28% or greater?

1. Brown Rot

2. White Rot

3. Molds and mildews

4. Dry Rot

The correct answer is: Brown Rot

The presence of wood decay fungi in wood occurs at different moisture levels, and understanding the conditions that favor their growth is crucial for maintaining the integrity of wooden structures. Brown rot fungi are especially prevalent in conditions where the moisture content of the wood reaches 28% or higher. This type of rot primarily feeds on the cellulose in the wood, leaving behind a brown, crumbly residue, and it thrives in environments that are consistently damp. Brown rot is significant because it can cause severe structural damage as it can lead to a rapid degradation of wood, making it critical for correctional officers to be aware of such conditions, especially in management of facilities where wooden structures are prevalent. The other types of decay fungi mentioned can also occur in higher moisture scenarios but are distinctly different in their characteristics and the types of damage they cause. White rot fungi, for instance, attack both cellulose and lignin, leading to a more fibrous and lighter wood condition rather than the crumbly texture associated with brown rot. Molds and mildews may also occur at various moisture levels but are more often surface fungal growths rather than true wood decays, and dry rot usually refers to specific species that require a much lower moisture content to thrive. Thus, in the context of