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Mushrooms are members of the Kingdom ______, one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms.
Mushrooms are members of the Kingdom ______, one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms.
Fungi
The study of fungi is called ______, and the people who study them are known as mycologists.
The study of fungi is called ______, and the people who study them are known as mycologists.
mycology
Fungi play critical roles in ______ recycling by breaking down organic matter.
Fungi play critical roles in ______ recycling by breaking down organic matter.
nutrient
Mycorrhizae, or “fungus-______” is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant’s roots.
Mycorrhizae, or “fungus-______” is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant’s roots.
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Fungi are important components of all ______ because they play critical roles in nutrient recycling by breaking down organic matter.
Fungi are important components of all ______ because they play critical roles in nutrient recycling by breaking down organic matter.
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______ are destructive plant pathogens, causing plant disease, while others enhance plant growth through the formation of mycorrhizae.
______ are destructive plant pathogens, causing plant disease, while others enhance plant growth through the formation of mycorrhizae.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not list any ______ on the federally endangered and threatened species list.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not list any ______ on the federally endangered and threatened species list.
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The term “mushroom” is used here in a very broad sense to refer to fungi that have large, fleshy, ______ bodies that can easily be seen without magnification.
The term “mushroom” is used here in a very broad sense to refer to fungi that have large, fleshy, ______ bodies that can easily be seen without magnification.
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Most mushrooms belong to the fungus group known as ______ (club fungi)
Most mushrooms belong to the fungus group known as ______ (club fungi)
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The cap of a mushroom is also known as the ______.
The cap of a mushroom is also known as the ______.
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The spore-producing surface of a mushroom is called the ______.
The spore-producing surface of a mushroom is called the ______.
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Mushrooms that have gills on the underside of their caps are typically referred to as ______.
Mushrooms that have gills on the underside of their caps are typically referred to as ______.
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The ______ is the protective layer that initially connects the cap edge to the stalk of a mushroom.
The ______ is the protective layer that initially connects the cap edge to the stalk of a mushroom.
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Fungi are composed of microscopic strands called ______.
Fungi are composed of microscopic strands called ______.
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The mycelium secretes ______ that break down surrounding organic material.
The mycelium secretes ______ that break down surrounding organic material.
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Mushrooms are the ______-bearing parts of a fungus.
Mushrooms are the ______-bearing parts of a fungus.
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The ______ is the part of the mushroom that extends the cap and hymenophore into the air.
The ______ is the part of the mushroom that extends the cap and hymenophore into the air.
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The ______ is the structure that contains the spores of a fungus, and is found in the Ascomycetes group.
The ______ is the structure that contains the spores of a fungus, and is found in the Ascomycetes group.
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The Crown-Tipped Coral mushroom is also known as ______.
The Crown-Tipped Coral mushroom is also known as ______.
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The Dryad's Saddle mushroom has a unique taste, often described as similar to ______.
The Dryad's Saddle mushroom has a unique taste, often described as similar to ______.
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The Elegant Stinkhorn mushroom grows on ______, mulch piles, and rotting wood.
The Elegant Stinkhorn mushroom grows on ______, mulch piles, and rotting wood.
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The Emetic Russula mushroom is also known as the ______ due to its toxic properties.
The Emetic Russula mushroom is also known as the ______ due to its toxic properties.
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The Fawn or Deer Mushroom has a cap that is typically ______ to dark brown in color.
The Fawn or Deer Mushroom has a cap that is typically ______ to dark brown in color.
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The Crown-Tipped Coral mushroom grows on the dead wood of ______ trees in summer.
The Crown-Tipped Coral mushroom grows on the dead wood of ______ trees in summer.
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The Dryad's Saddle mushroom can reappear for years in the same ______.
The Dryad's Saddle mushroom can reappear for years in the same ______.
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The Emetic Russula mushroom has a ______ cap that is 1-4 inches wide.
The Emetic Russula mushroom has a ______ cap that is 1-4 inches wide.
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The Fawn or Deer Mushroom has gills that are ______ spaced and brittle.
The Fawn or Deer Mushroom has gills that are ______ spaced and brittle.
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The Elegant Stinkhorn mushroom is typically ______ inches tall.
The Elegant Stinkhorn mushroom is typically ______ inches tall.
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The Turkey Tail Fungus can be used as a ______ substitute in casserole, enchiladas, and more.
The Turkey Tail Fungus can be used as a ______ substitute in casserole, enchiladas, and more.
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The Wood Ear fungus is also known as ______ auricula.
The Wood Ear fungus is also known as ______ auricula.
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The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is a type of poisonous mushroom that is also a ______.
The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is a type of poisonous mushroom that is also a ______.
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The decline of mushroom species is mainly caused by ______ and destruction of habitats.
The decline of mushroom species is mainly caused by ______ and destruction of habitats.
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The Chinese use the Turkey Tail fungus as a remedy against ______ cancer and jaundice.
The Chinese use the Turkey Tail fungus as a remedy against ______ cancer and jaundice.
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Gills can run down the ______ of the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom
Gills can run down the ______ of the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom
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The Malodorous Lepiota grows in ______ in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests
The Malodorous Lepiota grows in ______ in mixed deciduous-coniferous forests
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The Orange Mycena mushroom has a ______ smell and is not recommended for eating
The Orange Mycena mushroom has a ______ smell and is not recommended for eating
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The Oyster Mushroom can grow on ______ tree stumps and logs
The Oyster Mushroom can grow on ______ tree stumps and logs
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The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is toxic and can cause ______ pain, vomiting, and chills
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom is toxic and can cause ______ pain, vomiting, and chills
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The Malodorous Lepiota is also known as the ______ for its strong smell
The Malodorous Lepiota is also known as the ______ for its strong smell
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The Orange Mycena mushroom has ______ properties and can be used to treat certain health conditions
The Orange Mycena mushroom has ______ properties and can be used to treat certain health conditions
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The Oyster Mushroom is an edible species of mushroom found in ______
The Oyster Mushroom is an edible species of mushroom found in ______
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The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom grows in ______ with other mushrooms, often in clusters
The Jack-O-Lantern mushroom grows in ______ with other mushrooms, often in clusters
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The Malodorous Lepiota has a ______ annulus, or ring, on its stem
The Malodorous Lepiota has a ______ annulus, or ring, on its stem
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Match the following characteristics of Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Stalked Scarlet Cup) with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Stalked Scarlet Cup) with their descriptions:
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Match the following characteristics of Morchella esculenta (Yellow Morel) with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of Morchella esculenta (Yellow Morel) with their descriptions:
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Match the following stages of the fungal life cycle with their descriptions:
Match the following stages of the fungal life cycle with their descriptions:
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Match the following types of fungal structures with their descriptions:
Match the following types of fungal structures with their descriptions:
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Match the following types of fungi with their characteristics:
Match the following types of fungi with their characteristics:
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Match the mushroom with its characteristic taste:
Match the mushroom with its characteristic taste:
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Match the following stages of fungal development with their descriptions:
Match the following stages of fungal development with their descriptions:
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Match the mushroom with its growth habitat:
Match the mushroom with its growth habitat:
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Match the following characteristics of the fungal life cycle with their descriptions:
Match the following characteristics of the fungal life cycle with their descriptions:
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Match the following types of fungal relationships with their descriptions:
Match the following types of fungal relationships with their descriptions:
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Match the mushroom with its cap color:
Match the mushroom with its cap color:
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Match the mushroom with its edibility:
Match the mushroom with its edibility:
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Match the mushroom with its characteristic feature:
Match the mushroom with its characteristic feature:
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Match the mushroom with its growth season:
Match the mushroom with its growth season:
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Match the mushroom with its stalk color:
Match the mushroom with its stalk color:
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Match the mushroom with its spore production:
Match the mushroom with its spore production:
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Match the mushroom with its habitat requirement:
Match the mushroom with its habitat requirement:
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Match the mushroom with its size range:
Match the mushroom with its size range:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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Match the mushroom species with their characteristics:
Match the mushroom species with their characteristics:
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Match the following mushrooms with their habitats:
Match the following mushrooms with their habitats:
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Match the mushrooms with their edible/toxic properties:
Match the mushrooms with their edible/toxic properties:
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Match the mushrooms with their unique characteristics:
Match the mushrooms with their unique characteristics:
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Match the mushrooms with their spore-producing characteristics:
Match the mushrooms with their spore-producing characteristics:
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Match the mushrooms with their gill characteristics:
Match the mushrooms with their gill characteristics:
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Match the mushrooms with their caps' colors:
Match the mushrooms with their caps' colors:
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Match the mushrooms with their unique growth habits:
Match the mushrooms with their unique growth habits:
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Match the mushrooms with their spore-dispersal methods:
Match the mushrooms with their spore-dispersal methods:
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Match the mushrooms with their size:
Match the mushrooms with their size:
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Match the following characteristics with the correct type of organism:
Match the following characteristics with the correct type of organism:
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Match the following terms with the correct part of a mushroom:
Match the following terms with the correct part of a mushroom:
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Match the following conservation strategies with the correct action:
Match the following conservation strategies with the correct action:
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Match the following interesting facts about mushrooms with the correct statement:
Match the following interesting facts about mushrooms with the correct statement:
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Match the following types of mushrooms with the correct characteristic:
Match the following types of mushrooms with the correct characteristic:
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Match the following terms with the correct definition:
Match the following terms with the correct definition:
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Match the following conservation strategies with the correct action:
Match the following conservation strategies with the correct action:
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Match the following types of fungi with the correct characteristic:
Match the following types of fungi with the correct characteristic:
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Match the following interesting facts about mushrooms with the correct statement:
Match the following interesting facts about mushrooms with the correct statement:
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Match the following types of mushrooms with the correct characteristic:
Match the following types of mushrooms with the correct characteristic:
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Study Notes
Introduction to Fungi
- Fungi are members of the Kingdom Fungi, one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms.
- Over 10,000 species of mushrooms are found in the United States, with at least 2,000 species in Illinois.
- Fungi play critical roles in nutrient recycling by breaking down organic matter.
- Mycorrhizae, a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant's roots, is beneficial for both the fungus and the plant.
Anatomy of a Mushroom
- The term "mushroom" refers to fungi that have large, fleshy, fruiting bodies that can easily be seen without magnification.
- Most mushrooms belong to the fungus group known as Basidiomycetes (club fungi), while others are included in the Ascomycetes (sac fungi).
- The fruiting body of a mushroom is composed of several parts, including the cap, hymenophore, gills, and stalk.
- The hymenophore can be covered by a protective layer (partial veil) that initially connects the cap edge to the stalk.
Types of Mushrooms
-
Crown-Tipped Coral
- Characterized by a coral-like shape with yellow-tan color and crown-like tips.
- Edible, with a peppery taste.
-
Dryad's Saddle
- Has a circular to fan-shaped cap with dark brown scales and a yellow-tan color.
- Considered edible, with a watermelon taste when raw.
-
Elegant Stinkhorn
- Characterized by a pinkish orange column with a greenish brown, smelly slime coating.
- Edible in the immature stage, but caution is encouraged due to toxic look-a-likes.
-
Emetic Russula
- Has a bright red cap with off-white gills that are closely spaced and brittle.
- Poisonous, causing severe gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.
-
Fawn or Deer Mushroom
- Characterized by a brownish gray to dark brown cap with darker fibers radiating from the center.
- Toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, chills, and sweating.
-
Malodorous Lepiota
- Has a white cap with brown scales and a darker red-brown color in the center.
- Considered poisonous, with a rubber/tar smell.
-
Orange Mycena
- Characterized by a sticky, bright orange cap with a sunken center.
- Not recommended for eating, but has antibiotic and antitumor properties.
-
Oyster Mushroom
- Has a smooth surface with a white to silver/grey color.
- Edible, with a mild flavor, and can be used as a chicken substitute.
-
Turkey Tail Fungus
- Characterized by clusters of leathery, thin brackets with multicolored zones.
- Edible and medicinal, used in Chinese medicine to treat liver cancer and jaundice.
-
Wood Ear
- Has a rusty tan to honey-colored flesh with a wrinkled and wavy texture.
- Edible, with a gelatin-like texture, and can be dehydrated and rehydrated.
-
Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric
- Has a pale yellow-orange cap with white "warts" and a white to pale yellow stalk.
- Not edible, poisonous, and a hallucinogenic.
Conservation
- There is increasing concern about the decline of mushroom species, particularly in forests.
- Habitat degradation and destruction from urbanization and agriculture are considered primary causes for this decline.
Life Cycle of Fungi
- Fungi life cycle starts with two nuclei fuse and undergo a two-step division, resulting in four nuclei.
- Each nucleus migrates into one of the four basidiospores produced at the tips of the basidia.
- Basidiospores are released and germinate to form hyphae.
- Hyphae with two different types of nuclei meet, fuse, and form a mycelium with both types of nuclei.
- Mycelium grows, and nuclei divide, maintaining the same type of nuclei as the original cell.
- A large growth of mycelium forms, and when environmental conditions are met, a small mushroom (button) develops.
Species Description
-
Stalked Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis):
- Cap: ¼ - 5/8” wide, tiny red cup on small white stalk.
- No gills, grows on fallen wet sticks and branches in damp, deciduous woods.
-
Yellow Morel (Morchella esculenta):
- Cap: 7-15 cm tall, yellow-brown and grey, honeycomb or sponge-like pits.
- Completely hollow inside, no gills, grows around dead trees, and sometimes in fresh mulch.
-
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus):
- No cap, but a fruiting body, baseball to basketball size white mass of spongy tissue.
- Covered with dense, soft spines that hang down, grows on hardwood logs, stumps, and tree wounds.
Ascomycetes (Sac Fungi)
- Characterized by saclike cells (ascus) that produce ascospores.
- Examples: Stalked Scarlet Cup, Yellow Morel.
Basidiomycetes (Club Fungi)
- Characterized by clublike cells (basidium) that produce basidiospores.
- Examples: Lion’s Mane, Bird’s Nest, Yellow Chanterelle.
Other Species
- Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus):
- Vase-shaped fruiting body, inner surface has dark brown lines, spores in cases (peridioles).
- Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius):
- Yellowish orange to gold, fading to pale yellow, 1-3” across, gills attach down to stem.
- Crown-Tipped Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus):
- No cap, many branches, coral-like mushrooms, yellow-tan with crownlike tips.
Conservation and Facts
- To conserve mushrooms, manage public and private natural areas and forests to protect and maintain populations.
- Research should focus on determining species, defining habitat requirements, and making recommendations for management policies.
- Amateur mycologists can contribute to mycology by studying and documenting mushroom locations, distributions, and habitats.
Mushroom Facts
- Early Greeks believed mushrooms were created by Zeus’s lightning.
- Estimated 1.5 million species of fungi exist, but only 80,000 have been discovered and described.
- Largest living organism is a honey mushroom (Armillaria ostoyae), covering 3.5 miles across.
- Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants, and depend on other organisms for food.
- Some mushrooms are bioluminescent and emit light.
- Chitin is a hard material found in fungal cell walls, also present in insect and crustacean outer coverings.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of mushrooms, including their classification, diversity, and characteristics. It also provides a warning about the dangers of eating wild mushrooms without proper identification.