Question 1

What are fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are living things like mushrooms, molds, and yeast. They can be really tiny or as big as a pizza!

Question 2

Where do fungi live?

Accepted Answer

Fungi live almost everywhere! You can find them in forests, on bread, in the soil, and even in your yogurt.

Question 3

Why are fungi important for ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Fungi help break down dead plants and animals, turning them into soil. This helps plants grow better!

Question 4

Are all fungi mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

No, mushrooms are just one type of fungi. There are many other types, some too small to see.

Question 5

How do fungi eat?

Accepted Answer

Fungi feed by absorbing nutrients from other living or dead things. They release chemicals to break down the food first.

Question 6

Can fungi make their own food like plants?

Accepted Answer

No, fungi cannot make food like plants do. They get their food by breaking down other materials.

Question 7

Are fungi animals or plants?

Accepted Answer

Fungi are not animals or plants. They belong to their own special group called the fungi kingdom.

Question 8

Do fungi help plants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many fungi help plants grow by living on their roots and giving them nutrients.

Question 9

Can fungi be used for medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi are used to make medicines like penicillin, which helps us get better when we're sick.

Question 10

What do decomposer fungi do?

Accepted Answer

Decomposer fungi break down dead things like leaves, making the ground rich and healthy for new plants.

Question 11

How do fungi spread?

Accepted Answer

Fungi spread by releasing tiny seeds called spores. These spores travel through the air or water to new places.

Question 12

Why do fungi grow on trees?

Accepted Answer

Fungi grow on trees to break down wood and leaves. This helps recycle nutrients for other plants.

Question 13

Are all fungi safe to touch?

Accepted Answer

Not all fungi are safe to touch or eat. Some can be poisonous, so it's good to be careful.

Question 14

What is a mycelium?

Accepted Answer

A mycelium is like a network of tiny threads underground. It's how fungi explore and find food.

Question 15

Do animals eat fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many animals like squirrels, deer, and even insects eat fungi to get their nutrients.

Question 16

Can fungi clean the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fungi can break down harmful substances, making the environment cleaner and healthier.

Question 17

Why do mushrooms grow in circles?

Accepted Answer

Mushrooms grow in circles because the mycelium underground spreads out evenly, making a 'fairy ring'.

Question 18

Do fungi need light to grow?

Accepted Answer

Most fungi don’t need light to grow. They find nutrients in their environment, unlike plants that need sunlight.

Question 19

Can fungi change shape?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some fungi start as small spores and grow into big mushrooms with long stalks and caps.

Question 20

What do fungi teach us about nature?

Accepted Answer

Fungi show us how everything in nature is connected, and how important it is to recycle and use resources wisely.

The Wonders of Fungi in Ecosystems - 20 FAQs Explained Simply