By: Trump Vang
Fungi are a common occurrence throughout the world. They can resemble the common mushroom, with their round tops and cylindrical stems, or a branched mass of matter taking any shape possible. Although past their appearances, what are they actually?
Fungi are organisms composed of cells, and are a type of eukaryotic organism (Has an easily defined nucleus). They are a part of their own kingdom, known as Fungi, and differ from their commonly associated plant kingdom.
These organisms feed on deteriorating material or sometimes other living things. Through their efforts, they’re able to properly grow and reproduce in order to keep their species going. Just like some plants, Fungi release “seeds”, known as spores in the air to spread their species. Unlike seeds from plants, their spores are often microscopic, with some even reaching 2 micrometers.
Species of Fungi:
There are many different types of Fungi, having evolved for their specific purposes in the environment today. Although, some stand out through their appearance, ways of reproducing and growing.
For instance, take the Devil’s Fingers Fungi. It’s a mushroom that has four to eight “fingers” that protrude from its base. Along with its appearance, it also shows itself to smell like rotting flesh due to its slime coating. Surprisingly enough, this type of fungi is actually edible, despite its appearance, although its taste is very bitter.
Adding onto appearances, is the Veil Lady fungus. This type of fungus is a mushroom, with its appearance resembling a mushroom with the addition of a skirt/veil that it surrounds itself in. The mushroom is able to spread its spores by attracting flies and insects to itself. Just like the Devil’s Finger, the Veil Lady is edible, being commonly used within cuisines and certain traditional dishes.
Another unique type of Fungi is the Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani. This fungus can infect ants, turning their behavior awry. It’s able to properly take over its host to put itself in a good position to grow and reproduce. When its host dies, the fungus releases spores, allowing for the cycle to reproduce when a spore comes in contact with an ant. Through this reproduction method, the fungus is able to spread, and grow in this process.
There are a multitude of mushrooms that could be expanded on, but these three species show the diversity within Fungi as a whole.
Fungi are organisms that spread themselves through spores, whether it be through air, animals, etc. They’re unlike anything else that has grown, be it animals, plants, bacteria, etc. Their unique appearances and growth patterns have attracted us to them for what seems to be centuries. Along with this, their unique qualities through taste, mechanisms and structure, have allowed us to use them whether it be for cooking, technology or even construction.
Plaid Line + PRIZM + Scottie News 