The role of fungi in forest decomposition
The role of fungi in the decomposition of forest litter.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Scientists analyzed DNA from the stomach of a 14,400-year-old wolf.Media Editors: John P. Rafferty , Lee Goldstein
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© MinutePhysics (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Infrared energy from stars causes space and the night sky to appear dark.
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© Brian Owens/ReutersAurora borealis is also called the northern lights.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that are distinctly different from plants and animals and are therefore classified in their own kingdom, the kingdom Fungi.
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© Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)Learn what can happen to human remains after burial.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Some fungi are important pathogens of plants that cause diseases such as corn smut, which results in significant losses of corn crops each year.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.There are fungus among us. How well do we understand them?
News •
Scientists Discover “D-Rex,” a Giant Fungus Unlike Anything Seen Before
• Oct. 22, 2026, 9:43 AM ET (SciTechDaily)
Transcript
NARRATOR: Fungi can be found in many forms in our everyday lives—the yeast that causes bread to rise, the mold that grows on bread, the mildew found in a shower, as well as the mushrooms that adorn the top of a pizza.
Mushrooms are perhaps the most recognizable type of fungi. The top of a mushroom is made up of a cap, which is supported by a stemlike structure called the stalk. These two parts meet at a ringlike structure found just beneath the cap, called the annulus. These portions of the mushroom are visible, while the bulk of the organism may be found below the surface. The underground portion of the mushroom is called the mycelium. A network of threadlike fibers called hyphae make up the mycelium, which can extend for miles in some types of mushrooms.
The mycelium is the first part of the mushroom to grow. It is often found in a forest, among dead leaves and wood. Mycelia perform a critical role in forest decomposition. Unable to create their own food, the mycelia instead break down and consume leaves, needles, and other forest litter. This transforms the litter into matter that can be used by other organisms and clears the way for the continued growth of the living parts of the forest.
Mushrooms are perhaps the most recognizable type of fungi. The top of a mushroom is made up of a cap, which is supported by a stemlike structure called the stalk. These two parts meet at a ringlike structure found just beneath the cap, called the annulus. These portions of the mushroom are visible, while the bulk of the organism may be found below the surface. The underground portion of the mushroom is called the mycelium. A network of threadlike fibers called hyphae make up the mycelium, which can extend for miles in some types of mushrooms.
The mycelium is the first part of the mushroom to grow. It is often found in a forest, among dead leaves and wood. Mycelia perform a critical role in forest decomposition. Unable to create their own food, the mycelia instead break down and consume leaves, needles, and other forest litter. This transforms the litter into matter that can be used by other organisms and clears the way for the continued growth of the living parts of the forest.
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