A fungus (plural fungi) is a eukaryoticorganism that digests its food externally and absorbs the nutrientmolecules into its cells. Fungi are used extensively by humans: yeasts are responsible for fermentation of beer and bread, and mushroom farming is a large industry in many countries. Fungi are the primary decomposers of dead plant and animal matter in many ecosystems, and are commonly seen on old bread as mold. However, the complex biology of fungi extends beyond this common knowledge and experience of them.
Phylogeny of fungi
Fungi were originally classified as plants, however have since been seperated as they are heterotrophs. This means they do not fix their own carbon through photosynthesis, but use carbon fixed by other organisms for metabolism. Fungi are now thought to be more closely related to animals than to plants, and are placed with animals in the monophyletic group of opisthokonts. Fungi absorb their food while animals ingest it, and their cells have cell walls. For these reasons, these organisms are placed in their own kingdom, Fungi.
The Fungi are a monophyletic group, meaning all varieties of fungi come from a common ancestor. Mycologists believe they are monophyletic because they have chitin in their cell walls, they are absorbtive heterotrophs, along with other shared characteristics.
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NPR Topics: Food
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f Haiti - Presents information and pictures on the marketing in Brooklyn, New York, of djon-djon, wild mushrooms included in a rice dish that is very popular in Haiti.
Meta Description: [ Pictures of markets in Flatbush, Brooklyn, USA, where Haitian djon-djon mushrooms are sold ]
Fungifest - News and information about mushrooms including recipes, past festivals, recipes, links, and shopping.
Meta Description: [ Fungifest is a site for mushroom lovers and mushroom events. ]
Identifying Morels and False Morels - Contains information on these groups of mushrooms, as well as information on other edible mushrooms. Illustrated.
Meta Description: [ The Great Morel - the delightful delicious tasting mushroom and a joy to find. Resources on morel mushrooms, links and some humor! ]
Missouri's Mushrooms - Features Morels and Chanterelles. Also contains general information on fungus along with details on other edible and poisonous varieties. Illustrated.
Morel Mushroom Hunting Club - Contains information on Morels, Chanterelles, Boletes, Lactarius, Russulas, Trillium, and wildflowers as well as tips, chat room, message board, recipes, and a newsletter.
Mushroom Growers' Newsletter - News of the mushroom industry, marketing opportunities, events, recipes, growing information and books. The focus is specialty mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, maitake, reishi.
Meta Description: [ Cultivation of gourmet mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms can be an enjoyable passtime or a profitable business venture, if you do it right. The Mushroom Growers'
Newsletter helps you do it right! See mushroomcompany.com to get started. ]
Mushroom Mania...Is it for you? - Article published by the Milwaukee Public Museum discussing the history of eating mushrooms.
Northern Country Morels of Michichigan - Provides information and photographs on identification, as well as habitats, hunting checklist, and forum.
Meta Description: [ Morel mushrooms. Hunting morel mushrooms in Northern Michigan. How and where to find morels. Learn how to identify true and false morels. Check out our new message board ]
Oregon Mycological Society - Photographs and articles related to activities, mushrooms, and other fungi.
Ralph's Finest Fungi Fancier File - Information on hunting mushrooms safely. Includes rules, recommended books, and photographs of edible and toxic fungi.
Rogers Mushrooms - Details and photographs of 1,500 mushrooms and fungi, plus recipes. Based on 'Mushrooms and other Fungi of Great Britain and Europe' by Roger Phillips.
Meta Description: [ Roger Phillips' Mushroom site has 3,000 photos & details of 1,500 mushrooms, fungi plus mushroom recipes ... ]
Tom Volk's Fungi - Information and details, along with pictures, to aid in identifying both edible and poisonous varieties. Includes Fungus of the Month pages, links, and a listing of mushroom forays and workshops.