Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things like plants and animals. They are not plants, animals, or bacteria; they have their own group called the 'fungus' kingdom.

Question 2

What do mushrooms have to do with fungi?

Accepted Answer

Mushrooms are a type of fungus. They are like the 'fruits' of some fungi, which means they help fungi spread their spores, kind of like seeds.

Question 3

How do fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi eat by breaking down things like leaves and wood. They make the stuff they break down into food they can use.

Question 4

Where can fungi be found?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are everywhere! They can grow in forests, gardens, bathrooms, and even inside your body.

Question 5

Why are fungi important for the ground?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help break down dead plants and animals, which makes the soil rich and full of nutrients for new plants to grow.

Question 6

Do fungi help plants grow?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi help plants by living on their roots. The plant gives the fungus sugar, and the fungus gives the plant water and nutrients.

Question 7

Can fungi make people sick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi can cause sickness, like athlete's foot or a stuffy nose. But most fungi are not harmful to people.

Question 8

Can we eat fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many fungi are edible, like mushrooms that you eat on pizza or in salads. But some fungi are poisonous, so you should never eat them unless they are from a store or you know they are safe.

Question 9

What are spores?

Accepted Answer

Spores are like seeds for fungi. They help fungi spread and grow in new places.

Question 10

Do fungi have roots like plants do?

Accepted Answer

Fungi don't have roots, but they have something called mycelium. Mycelium is like tiny threads that help fungi find food and grow.

Question 11

How do fungi help us make medicine?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have been used to make medicines like penicillin, which helps fight infections. Scientists study fungi to find new medicines.

Question 12

Can fungi glow in the dark?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi can glow in the dark! This is called bioluminescence, and it happens because of special chemicals in the fungi.

Question 13

Do all fungi look like mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like molds, some like yeast, and others like mushrooms.

Question 14

How do fungi help make bread rise?

Accepted Answer

Yeast, a type of fungus, helps bread rise. It produces gases that make bubbles in the dough, making the bread fluffy.

Question 15

Are molds types of fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, molds are types of fungi. You might see mold as fuzzy patches on old bread or fruit.

Question 16

What is the largest living thing on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The largest living thing is a huge fungus living underground in Oregon. It's called the honey fungus and it's very, very big!

Question 17

Why do fungi like damp and dark places?

Accepted Answer

Fungi like damp and dark places because they need moisture to grow. They don't need sunlight like plants do.

Question 18

How do fungi help clean the environment?

Accepted Answer

Fungi break down harmful substances in the environment, like oil or chemicals, and turn them into less harmful ones.

Question 19

Are there fungi in the ocean?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are fungi in the ocean. They live in the water and help break down dead sea plants and animals.

Question 20

Can fungi grow in space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, scientists have found that some fungi can grow in space, which helps us learn about living in outer space.

The Fascinating World of Fungi: Types, Roles, and Human Connection - 20 FAQs Explained Simply