Fungi
⭐ MasteredFungi, like mushrooms and moulds, are not plants or animals. They break down dead material and return nutrients to the soil.
The largest living organism may be a giant honey fungus underground.
All about Fungi
Fungi are a kingdom of living things that are not plants or animals. They include mushrooms, yeasts and moulds. Fungi absorb nutrients from their surroundings rather than making food with sunlight, and they grow from threads called hyphae.
Many fungi break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil. Some form partnerships with tree roots, helping trees absorb water and minerals. The mushroom you see is only the fruiting body; most of the fungus lives underground.
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Real-life uses of Fungi
- Making bread rise and brewing drinks with yeast
- Producing penicillin, a medicine made from a mould
- Recycling nutrients in forests and gardens
Frequently asked questions about Fungi
Are mushrooms plants?
No. Mushrooms are fungi. They cannot make food from sunlight, so they get their nutrients by breaking down material.
Are all mushrooms safe to eat?
No. Some wild mushrooms are poisonous, so never eat a mushroom unless an expert confirms it is safe.
How do fungi spread?
Mostly by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can travel long distances before growing into new fungi.