Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things, like plants and animals, but they are different from both. They include things like mushrooms, molds, and yeast.

Question 2

Where do fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Fungi can live almost anywhere! You can find them in the soil, on trees, in your garden, and even in your kitchen.

Question 3

What do mushrooms do in a forest?

Accepted Answer

Mushrooms help break down dead plants and animals, turning them into nutrients that help other plants grow.

Question 4

Are fungi plants?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi aren't plants. They don't use sunlight to make food like plants do. They absorb nutrients from their surroundings.

Question 5

Why are fungi important to nature?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are important because they recycle dead material and provide nutrients for plants, helping them grow.

Question 6

Can fungi be seen without a microscope?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi like mushrooms can be seen with your eyes, but others, like molds, might need a closer look.

Question 7

Do fungi help humans?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi help us make foods like bread and cheese, and medicines like antibiotics that kill germs.

Question 8

Can fungi make their own food?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi can't make their own food. Instead, they absorb food from other things, like dead plants or food scraps.

Question 9

How do fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

Fungi spread by releasing tiny particles called spores that float through the air and land in new places.

Question 10

Are all fungi safe to touch?

Accepted Answer

Not all fungi are safe to touch or eat. Some can be harmful, so it's best to enjoy them from a distance unless you're with an expert.

Question 11

Do fungi have friends in the forest?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Some fungi form special partnerships with plants, helping each other grow strong and healthy.

Question 12

What do fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi eat dead plants and animals, and sometimes living plants, by absorbing the nutrients from them.

Question 13

What is the biggest fungus in the world?

Accepted Answer

The biggest fungus is a giant underground network of mycelium in Oregon, USA, and it covers a huge area of the forest!

Question 14

Are fungi animals?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi aren't animals. They are their own group of living things, separate from plants, animals, and bacteria.

Question 15

Why do some fungi glow in the dark?

Accepted Answer

Some fungi glow to attract insects, which help spread their spores, or just to look cool and scare away animals.

Question 16

Can fungi make light?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi can make their own light, and it's called bioluminescence. It helps them do interesting things like attract bugs.

Question 17

How can you tell a fungi is a mushroom?

Accepted Answer

Mushrooms typically have a cap on top and a stem, kind of like an umbrella, and they grow up from the ground or logs.

Question 18

What is mycelium?

Accepted Answer

Mycelium is the part of the fungus you don't usually see because it's underground. It's like the mushroom's roots.

Question 19

Do fungi have enemies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi have enemies like some insects and bacteria, but they can also protect themselves in special ways.

Question 20

How can we find mushrooms safely?

Accepted Answer

To find mushrooms safely, it's best to go with an expert who can show you which ones are safe. Never eat or touch wild mushrooms unless you're really sure they're safe.

The Science of Fungi and Their Ecological Importance - 20 FAQs Explained Simply