Ecological significanceCathy， Josie, Tulip

The main role fungi play in the environment is to decompose and

recycle living material.

The work of fungi is to break down fallen trees like these so they do not remain on the ground forever and take up useless room.

Recycling: returning nutrients back to the Earth

Because trees take up energy, if their dead matter is not recycled back into the ground for the other plants and organisms, the nutrients and energy that was once the tree will be lost.

The Location of Fungi

Fungi are found in almost any area on earth. Their spores are found in almost every environment.

Once a fungi occupies new ground, the mycelium becomes almost permanent and will remain for many years.

“I cant see with a mushroom on my head!”

Fairy Rings!

When available nutrients near the center of the mycelium become depleted, new mushrooms will sprout from the edges of the mycelium, which eventually form… a FAIRY RING.

Spore Dispersal

Most fungi produce dry, light spores that will be carried around by the wind.

If you poke a hole in the puffball… it will look like this

Spore Placement

It is important that spores land in the right places, with a good combination of temperature, moisture, and nutrients.

Even with good conditions, the chances of a spore producing a mushroom is often one in a billion.