Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things like mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. They can be found almost everywhere - in the soil, on plants, and even in our homes.

Question 2

How do fungi grow?

Accepted Answer

Fungi grow by spreading tiny parts called spores. When these spores land on something they like, like old leaves or bread, they grow into more fungi.

Question 3

Are mushrooms a type of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mushrooms are a type of fungi. They often look like little umbrellas and can be found in yards and forests.

Question 4

What role do fungi play in ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help break down dead plants and animals, turning them into soil. This process helps keep the forest floor clean and rich in nutrients, which plants need to grow.

Question 5

Can fungi be helpful to humans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi can be very helpful! Yeast, a type of fungus, is used to bake bread and make some drinks bubbly, like soda.

Question 6

Are all fungi safe to eat?

Accepted Answer

No, not all fungi are safe to eat. Some mushrooms are poisonous, so it’s important not to eat wild mushrooms unless an adult says they are safe.

Question 7

How do fungi get their food?

Accepted Answer

Unlike plants, fungi can’t make their own food. They feed by absorbing nutrients from other things, like dead plants, animals, or even bread.

Question 8

Do fungi need sunlight to grow?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi do not need sunlight to grow. They can grow in dark places like under logs or inside your refrigerator!

Question 9

Can fungi help plants grow?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi help plants by living on their roots. They give the plants important nutrients from the soil and help them grow stronger.

Question 10

What are mushrooms used for besides eating?

Accepted Answer

Some mushrooms are used to make medicine. They can help people feel better when they are sick.

Question 11

How can fungi be harmful?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. For example, mold can make food spoil and make some people sick.

Question 12

What is mold?

Accepted Answer

Mold is a type of fungus that looks fuzzy and can be different colors like green, black, or white. It often grows on old food or in damp places.

Question 13

How do fungi spread their spores?

Accepted Answer

Fungi spread their spores using the wind, water, or by sticking to animals. This helps them reach new places to grow.

Question 14

Can fungi be used in any cool science experiments?

Accepted Answer

Yes! People study how fungi break down things to learn more about the natural world. You can even grow your own mushrooms as a fun science project.

Question 15

Why do some mushrooms grow in circles?

Accepted Answer

Mushrooms can grow in circles, called fairy rings, because new mushrooms grow on the edges of where the old ones were. This makes a ring shape over time.

Question 16

How big can fungi get?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi are tiny, but others can be huge! The largest known fungus is a mushroom in Oregon that is spread out underground over many acres.

Question 17

What is yeast and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

Yeast is a type of fungus that helps bread rise and makes it fluffy. It also helps make drinks like kombucha and beer fizzy.

Question 18

Can fungi be colorful?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi can have many colors, like red, blue, yellow, and even purple. These colors can help protect them or attract animals that spread their spores.

Question 19

Do fungi live in water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi can live in water. They might grow near the edges of ponds or streams and help break down dead plants.

Question 20

Why do some mushrooms glow in the dark?

Accepted Answer

Some mushrooms glow in the dark because of a special reaction in their cells. This might help attract insects that spread their spores.

The Evolution of Fungi: Their Role in Ecosystems and Human Life - 20 FAQs Explained Simply