Did you know that fungi are more closely related to people than to plants? It’s OK, I didn’t know that either until I took Biology at CSU a couple of years ago. I contemplated this as I saw several different types of rather eye-catching fungus while out this afternoon.
In addition to the beauty of some types, fungi provide a critical part of nature’s continuous rebirth: fungi recycle dead organic matter into useful nutrients. Fungi feed by absorbing nutrients from the organic material in which they live.
Fungi were listed in the Plant Kingdom for many years. Then scientists learned that fungi show a closer relation to animals, but are unique and separate life forms. So now fungi are placed in their own Kingdom.
You probably use fungal products every day without being aware of it. People eat mushrooms of all shapes, sizes and colors. Yeasts are used in making bread, wine, beer and solvents. Drugs made from fungi cure diseases and stop the rejection of transplanted hearts and other organs. Fungi are also grown in large vats to produce flavorings for cooking, vitamins and enzymes for removing stains.