πβπ« The Fungi Kingdom
A Separate Kingdom of Living Organisms
π Quick Recall
In our previous lessons, we learned that all living things are made of cells, and that scientists organize life into large groups called kingdoms. We also explored the Plant Kingdom and learned that plants make their own food using sunlight through photosynthesis. Today, we meet a kingdom that was once mistaken for plants β but is actually very different!
π¬ Section 1: What Are Fungi?
The word "fungus" comes from Latin and means "mushroom." But the Fungi Kingdom includes much more than just mushrooms! It is a fascinating group of eukaryotic organisms (organisms whose cells have a nucleus) that includes:
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Edible Mushrooms
They grow in forests and are used in cooking β for example, on pizza!
Edible Mushrooms
They grow in forests and are used in cooking β for example, on pizza!
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Yeasts
Tiny single-celled fungi used in baking
Yeasts
Tiny single-celled fungi used in baking
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Molds
The fuzzy stuff on old bread
Molds
The fuzzy stuff on old bread
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Toadstools
Poisonous mushrooms that look like edible ones
Toadstools
Poisonous mushrooms that look like edible ones
π How many fungi exist? Scientists estimate there are about 2.5 million species of fungi on Earth β making them the second biggest kingdom after animals! Yet only about 155,000 have been officially named so far. Scientists are still discovering new species every year!
π Three Key Differences Between Fungi and Plants
These are the very differences that made scientists classify fungi as a separate kingdom!