Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things like mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. They are different from plants and animals and come in many shapes and colors.

Question 2

How do fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi don’t eat food like we do. They break down things like leaves and wood outside their bodies and then absorb the nutrients.

Question 3

Why are fungi important?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help decompose dead plants and animals, turning them into soil. They also help plants grow by giving them nutrients.

Question 4

Do fungi grow everywhere?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi can grow in many places like forests, gardens, and even inside houses. They love dark and damp places.

Question 5

What is a mushroom?

Accepted Answer

A mushroom is a type of fungi that you can see above the ground. It’s like the fruit of a fungus, helping it spread spores to grow more fungi.

Question 6

Are all fungi safe to touch?

Accepted Answer

Not all fungi are safe. Some can make you sick if you touch or eat them, so it's best to be careful and ask an adult.

Question 7

How do fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

Fungi and plants often work together. Fungi bring water and nutrients to plants, and in return, plants give fungi food.

Question 8

What do fungi look like?

Accepted Answer

Fungi can look like mushrooms, fluffy molds, or even like green patches. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes.

Question 9

Can we eat fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi like mushrooms are delicious and safe to eat. But it’s important to only eat ones that are known to be safe.

Question 10

How do fungi help recycle nature?

Accepted Answer

Fungi break down dead leaves, plants, and animals into smaller parts. This helps make new soil and gives nutrients back to the earth.

Question 11

What are spores?

Accepted Answer

Spores are tiny seeds that fungi use to grow new fungi. They can travel through the air to find a new place to grow.

Question 12

Can fungi make you sick?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi can make you sick if they are harmful or if they grow in your body. It's important to avoid touching unknown fungi.

Question 13

How do fungi grow?

Accepted Answer

Fungi grow by spreading their roots-like parts called hyphae. They use these parts to explore and find food.

Question 14

Are yeast and mold fungi too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, yeast and mold are types of fungi. Yeast helps us make bread rise, while mold can grow on old food.

Question 15

Do fungi live in water?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi can live in water, including ponds and streams. They help keep the water clean by breaking down dead plants and animals.

Question 16

How do fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

Fungi spread by releasing spores into the air or water. The spores then land in a new place and grow into fungi.

Question 17

Why do some fungi glow in the dark?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi glow to attract insects. These insects help spread the spores so more fungi can grow.

Question 18

Do fungi have roots like plants?

Accepted Answer

Fungi don't have roots like plants, but they have hyphae. Hyphae look like tiny threads that help them find food.

Question 19

Can fungi help clean up pollution?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi can break down harmful chemicals in polluted soil or water. This process helps make the environment healthier.

Question 20

Why are fungi called a 'hidden network'?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are called a 'hidden network' because most of their parts are underground. They connect trees and plants, helping them share nutrients.

The Remarkable World of Fungi: Nature's Hidden Network - 20 FAQs Explained Simply