Why Mushrooms Matter: The Hidden Kingdom

Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants. The mycelial network connecting trees underground (the wood wide web) transfers nutrients between plants. Without decomposer fungi, dead trees would pile up and lock up carbon and nutrients.

Some fungi can break down plastics, petroleum, and even nerve gas agents. The largest organism on Earth is a honey fungus spanning 2,385 acres. Fungi were among the first organisms to colonize land 600 million years ago.

We have described only 5-10% of estimated fungal species..