Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things like mushrooms, molds, and yeast. They are different from plants and animals and help break down dead things in nature.

Question 2

Where do fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Fungi can live almost anywhere, like in soil, on trees, or even on our food. They like dark, damp places where they can grow.

Question 3

What do fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi eat by absorbing nutrients from other things, like dead plants or animals. They don't eat like we do; instead, they release stuff that breaks down food outside of themselves.

Question 4

How do fungi help the environment?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help by breaking down dead plants and animals, turning them into soil. This helps recycle nutrients so new plants can grow.

Question 5

Are mushrooms fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mushrooms are a type of fungi. They come in many shapes and sizes and often grow in forests or your backyard.

Question 6

Can fungi be harmful?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi can be harmful if they grow where we don't want them, like mold on food. But many fungi are helpful and important for healthy ecosystems.

Question 7

Do fungi grow quickly?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi can grow very quickly, especially when they have lots of food and water. Others grow more slowly, depending on their environment.

Question 8

How do fungi reproduce?

Accepted Answer

Fungi reproduce by spreading tiny seeds called spores. These spores can travel through the air and grow into new fungi when they land in the right spot.

Question 9

Can we eat fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi like mushrooms are safe and tasty to eat. But you need to make sure they are not poisonous ones!

Question 10

What's the biggest fungus in the world?

Accepted Answer

The biggest fungus grows underground and covers a large area of forest. It's called the Armillaria and can be as big as 1,665 football fields!

Question 11

How do fungi grow?

Accepted Answer

Fungi grow by spreading tiny threads through things they eat, like soil or wood. These threads help them absorb nutrients.

Question 12

Why are fungi different from plants?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are different from plants because they don't make their own food like plants do. They need to find food from other sources in the environment.

Question 13

What colors can fungi be?

Accepted Answer

Fungi can be many colors, like brown, white, red, or even blue. The color can tell you if a mushroom is safe to eat or not.

Question 14

Do fungi need sunlight to grow?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi do not need sunlight to grow. They get their energy from the food they absorb, not from the sun like plants.

Question 15

Why are some fungi colorful?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi are colorful to attract bugs that help spread their spores. Bright colors can also warn animals that they might not taste good or could be poisonous.

Question 16

What is yeast?

Accepted Answer

Yeast is a type of fungus that helps make bread rise. It eats sugar and gives off gas, which makes bread fluffy.

Question 17

Can fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi help plants grow by living near their roots and sharing nutrients. This partnership is good for both the plant and the fungus.

Question 18

What happens if you touch a mushroom?

Accepted Answer

Most mushrooms are safe to touch, but it's important to wash your hands afterwards. Some wild mushrooms can be dangerous, so never eat one unless you're sure it's safe.

Question 19

Do fungi have roots?

Accepted Answer

Fungi don't have roots like plants do. Instead, they have lots of tiny threads called hyphae that grow into their food source.

Question 20

How long have fungi been around?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have been around for millions of years, even before the dinosaurs. They are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.

The Basics of Fungi and Their Ecosystems - 20 FAQs Explained Simply