Mushroom Identification Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the study of fungi called?

Botany

Zoology

Entomology

Mycology (correct)

Which of the following best describes the ecological role of fungi?

They produce energy through photosynthesis.

They recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter. (correct)

They are solely destructive agents for other plants.

They primarily compete with other plants for resources.

What are mycorrhizae?

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots. (correct)

Vegetative structures that store nutrients.

Fungal spores that spread through the air.

Types of harmful fungi that affect plant growth.

Which statement about mushroom species in the United States is correct?

More than 10,000 species of mushrooms are estimated to exist. Signup and view all the answers

How does a healthy mycorrhizal association benefit plants?

It enhances nutrient and water uptake. Signup and view all the answers

Why might mushrooms not be listed as endangered species?

Little is known about their distribution and habitat. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of fungi is NOT typically included under the term 'mushroom'?

Molds Signup and view all the answers

What role does mycelium play in mycorrhizae?

It wraps around the roots of plants for nutrient exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of the flesh of the Giant Puffball as it matures?

It turns greenish-yellow with age. Signup and view all the answers

In which habitat is the Green-Gilled Lepiota primarily found?

In lawns, meadows, and pastures. Signup and view all the answers

What condition makes the Giant Puffball edible?

If it is completely white inside. Signup and view all the answers

What visual change occurs to the gills of the Green-Gilled Lepiota over time?

They change from white to dull green. Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the Jack-O-Lantern mushroom have?

It glows in the dark. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of consuming the Green-Gilled Lepiota?

It can cause violent gastrointestinal upset. Signup and view all the answers

What color does the Indigo Milk Cap leak when cut?

Opaque blue liquid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical cap size of the Indigo Milk Cap?

2-4 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Lion's Mane mushrooms from other fungi?

They produce spores on white spines instead of gills. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for Cyathus striatus?

Bird's Nest mushroom Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about Yellow Chanterelles?

They have a trumpet-shaped appearance and are edible. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the 'eggs' in the Bird's Nest mushroom when rain hits the cap?

The peridioles are shot out to disperse spores. Signup and view all the answers

During which season is the Yellow Chanterelle typically found?

Late summer to early fall Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms is known to be similar to Lion's Mane but is a different species?

Bear's Head Signup and view all the answers

Which mushroom lacks gills and has gray to black 'eggs' that contain spores?

Bird's Nest mushroom Signup and view all the answers

What is the color change observed in Lion’s Mane mushrooms as they age?

They change from white to yellow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape and appearance of the fruiting body of the Rounded Earthstar?

Star-shaped with rays curving backward Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms is considered edible?

Spotted Bolete Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive change occurs to the gills of the Shaggy Mane as it matures?

They liquefy and turn black Signup and view all the answers

In what type of habitat does the Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods typically grow?

On dead or dying deciduous trees Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical height of the Shaggy Mane mushroom when mature?

2-3 inches Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates the Split-Gill from other mushrooms discussed?

The gills are fan-shaped and split towards the edge Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of the underside of the cap of the Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods?

Bright sulfur yellow Signup and view all the answers

During which season does the Rounded Earthstar commonly grow?

Late summer and fall Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main reasons for the need to manage public and private natural areas regarding mushrooms?

To protect and maintain mushroom populations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended action for expanding knowledge on mushrooms?

Conducting research to develop new species Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what did the early Greeks believe about mushrooms?

They were created by lightning from Zeus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of fungi species that have been discovered?

80,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest living organism in the world, according to the content?

Honey mushroom Signup and view all the answers

How can one observe mushroom spores effectively?

By making a spore print Signup and view all the answers

What unusual fact is mentioned about the giant puffball?

It can produce more than 7 trillion spores. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the current state of mushroom research?

It requires ongoing research to better define habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Emetic Russula mushroom?

It is known for causing nausea if consumed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms typically lacks a traditional gill structure?

Giant Puffball Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs after the nuclei in the uppermost basidium fuse?

The nuclei undergo a two-step division. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of the Crown-Tipped Coral mushroom?

It has a coral-like appearance with pointed tips. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the habitat preference of the Yellow Morel?

Moist woodland areas with specific tree types Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true regarding the Yellow Morel?

Its stem and cap are connected and completely hollow. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of the Stalked Scarlet Cup?

It produces spores in the lining of its cup. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mushrooms is known for its distinctive smell that can be described as malodorous?

Elegant Stinkhorn Signup and view all the answers

What condition is essential for the development of a button mushroom from mycelium?

Optimal humidity, temperature, water, and light. Signup and view all the answers

How does the mycelium behave as it grows in relation to the nuclei?

Each new cell maintains the same type of nuclei as the original cell. Signup and view all the answers

The uppermost basidium contains two ______, which are indicated as white and black dots.

nuclei Signup and view all the answers

Basidiospores are produced at the tips of the ______.

basidia Signup and view all the answers

A small mushroom termed a ______ will develop when suitable environmental conditions are met.

button Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow Morel has a ______ or sponge-like appearance with honeycomb pits.

hollow Signup and view all the answers

The Stalked Scarlet Cup grows on fallen wet sticks and branches in ______, deciduous woods.

damp Signup and view all the answers

The Crown-Tipped Coral is known for its yellow-tan color with crownlike tips and grows on the dead wood of __________ trees in summer.

deciduous Signup and view all the answers

The Elegant Stinkhorn emits a pungent odor due to its greenish brown __________ coating with spore mass.

slime Signup and view all the answers

The Emetic Russula is known for its bright red cap and is considered __________ due to its potential to cause severe gastrointestinal upset.

poisonous Signup and view all the answers

The Dryad's Saddle has a stalk that is __________ to eccentric and black at the base.

lateral Signup and view all the answers

The Fawn or Deer Mushroom has a typical mushroom shape with a brownish gray to dark brown __________ that may have darker fibers radiating from the center.

cap Signup and view all the answers

Mushrooms are members of the Kingdom ______, one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms.

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

The study of fungi is called ______, and the people who study them are known as mycologists.

mycology Signup and view all the answers

Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant's ______.

roots Signup and view all the answers

The fungus wraps threads called ______ around the roots of a plant to share nutrients.

mycelium Signup and view all the answers

More than ______ species of mushrooms are estimated to be found in the United States.

10,000 Signup and view all the answers

The term 'mushroom' refers to fungi that have large, fleshy, ______ bodies.

fruiting Signup and view all the answers

The Lion's Mane mushroom lacks a traditional ______ and has a fruiting body that is covered with dense spines.

cap Signup and view all the answers

The Bird's Nest mushroom has a vase-shaped fruiting body that resembles a miniature ______ nest.

bird's Signup and view all the answers

The gills of the Yellow Chanterelle mushroom are hard to differentiate as they ______ down to the stem.

attach Signup and view all the answers

The spores of the Bird's Nest mushroom are contained within gray to black ______.

eggs Signup and view all the answers

The Lion's Mane mushroom can be found on ______ logs and stumps.

hardwood Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow Chanterelle has a distinctive ______ shaped appearance as it matures.

trumpet Signup and view all the answers

The habitat of the Bird's Nest mushroom includes moist, shaded areas such as woodlands, parks, and ______ chips.

wood Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow Chanterelle is known to emit a strong, ______ smell in northern regions.

apricot Signup and view all the answers

Turkey Tail Fungus is known for its colorful zones and grows on stumps and logs of ______ trees.

deciduous Signup and view all the answers

The flesh of Wood Ear mushrooms is described as wrinkled and ______.

gelatinous Signup and view all the answers

The Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is considered ______ due to its poisonous characteristics.

not edible Signup and view all the answers

Surveys have shown a decline in mushroom species populations in Illinois, primarily due to habitat ______ and destruction.

degradation Signup and view all the answers

The cap of the Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric is typically pale ______-orange in color.

yellow Signup and view all the answers

Wood Ear mushrooms are commonly found in ______ cuisine, where they are often used in various dishes.

Asian Signup and view all the answers

The fruiting body of the Rounded Earthstar is shaped like a ______.

star Signup and view all the answers

Gills of the Shaggy Mane turn black and ______ when mature.

liquefy Signup and view all the answers

The cap of the Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods is ______ on top and sulfur yellow below.

orange/red Signup and view all the answers

The Spotted Bolete's stalk is typically ______ long.

5-10 cm Signup and view all the answers

The Split-Gill mushroom features small, white, hairy, fan-shaped ______.

caps Signup and view all the answers

The habitat of the Rounded Earthstar is typically ______.

humus Signup and view all the answers

The gills of the Shaggy Mane become ______ pink before liquefying.

salmon Signup and view all the answers

The Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods grows in overlapping clusters on ______ trees.

deciduous Signup and view all the answers

The color of the underside of the Spotted Bolete's cap features ______ pores.

yellow Signup and view all the answers

The Shaggy Mane is typically ______ tall when young.

2-3 inches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Mushrooms

Mushrooms belong to the Kingdom Fungi, second in species diversity only to insects.
Over 10,000 mushroom species exist in the U.S., with 2,000 found in Illinois.
Mycology is the study of fungi, and mycologists are the scientists who specialize in this field.
Fungi play vital roles in ecosystems by recycling nutrients and forming beneficial relationships with plants (mycorrhizae).
No mushrooms are listed as federally endangered or threatened, likely due to lack of research.

Mushroom Anatomy

"Mushroom" refers to fungi with large, visible fruiting bodies, including various types like boletes, puffballs, and morels.
Toxic mushrooms can resemble edible varieties, stressing the need for accurate identification.

Notable Mushroom Species

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Fruiting body: White, spongy, covered in spines.
- Habitat: Found on hardwood logs, edible, but can be confused with Bear’s Head.
Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus)
- Appearance: Vase-shaped with eggs containing spores.
- Habitat: Moist, shaded areas; not edible but not toxic.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
- Cap: Yellow-orange, trumpet-shaped, with unique ribbed texture.
- Habitat: Grows near oaks; edible but caution advised due to look-alikes.
Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)
- Size: Can reach up to 2 feet across; white to greyish.
- Edibility: Only edible when white inside; can cause gastrointestinal issues if aged.
Green-Gilled Lepiota (Chlorophyllum molybdites)
- Cap: Large and white with cream-colored scales.
- Toxicity: Highly poisonous; causes severe gastrointestinal distress.
Indigo Milk Cap (Lactarius indigo)
- Cap: Light blue that bleeds blue liquid when cut.
- Habitat: Mixed woodlands; edible.
Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus illudens)
- Appearance: Pumpkin orange, bioluminescent gills.
- Toxicity: Not edible; can be confused with chanterelles.

Mushroom Facts

Early Greeks associated mushrooms with lightning from Zeus due to their sudden growth after storms.
Estimated 1.5 million fungi species exist, with only 80,000 described.
The largest organism, a honey mushroom, spans 3.5 miles in Oregon, believed to be over 2,400 years old.
A giant puffball can produce over 7 trillion spores, capable of outnumbering Earth’s weight if all germinated.
Making a spore print can help identify mushroom species by observing spore mass.

Conservation and Study

Continued research is necessary for identifying mushroom species and habitat needs.
Amateur mycologists play a significant role in documenting mushroom distributions.
Engaging in field identification, journaling, photography, and joining mushroom clubs supports mycological knowledge and conservation efforts.

Introduction to Illinois Mushrooms

Study guide adapted from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' "Illinois Mushrooms" poster and a publication by Joe McFarland and Gregory M.
Structurally, mushrooms consist of a cap, gills, and a stalk; fungi undergo a life cycle involving spore production and mycelium growth.

Types of Fungi

Two main classes of mushrooms: Ascomycetes (sac fungi) and Basidiomycetes (club fungi).

Ascomycetes

Stalked Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis):
- Size: ¼ - 5/8” cap on small white stalk (3/8 – 1 ¼”).
- Habitat: Moist, deciduous woods during spring/early summer; non-edible.
Yellow Morel (Morchella esculenta):
- Size: 7-15 cm tall with sponge-like pits.
- Habitat: Grows around certain trees from early April to May; edible but caution needed due to similar toxic species.

Basidiomycetes

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus):
- Appearance: Large, spongy white mass with soft spines.
- Habitat: Found in hardwood logs, edible.
Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus):
- Size: 1/4 – 3/8” vase-shaped fruiting body.
- Habitat: Moist shaded areas, not edible.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius):
- Size: 1-3” cap, yellowish to gold.
- Habitat: Grows near oaks; edible.
Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea):
- Size: Up to 2 feet across; white to greyish.
- Habitat: Common in lawns; edible when completely white inside.
Green-Gilled Lepiota (Chlorophyllum molybdites):
- Size: 2 – 12” wide cap.
- Habitat: Forms fairy rings; very poisonous.
Indigo Milk Cap (Lactarius indigo):
- Size: 2-4” cap; bleeds blue liquid when cut.
- Habitat: Mixed woodlands; edible.
Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus illudens):
- Size: Pumpkin orange cap; glows in the dark.
- Habitat: Very poisonous, has bioluminescent gills.
Rounded Earthstar (Geastrum saccatum):
- Size: 1/4 – 1” wide, star-shaped rays.
- Habitat: Grows on humus; not edible.
Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus):
- Size: 2-3” tall, columnar when mature.
- Habitat: Grassy areas; edible if collected fresh.
Split-Gill (Schizophyllum commune):
- Appearance: Small, white, hairy caps.
- Habitat: Dead branches and logs; not recommended for consumption.
Spotted Bolete (Boletus affinis):
- Appearance: Red-brown cap with yellow pores.
- Habitat: Deciduous forests; considered edible.
Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus):
- Appearance: Fan-shaped, orange/red to sulfur yellow.
- Habitat: Grows on dead/dying trees; edible, also called Chicken Mushroom.

Fungal Reproduction and Lifecycle

Young basidium contains two distinct nuclei that fuse and undergo division resulting in four nuclei.
Four nuclei migrate into basidiospores at the tips of basidia.
Released basidiospores germinate to form hyphae.
Hyphae from different nuclei types can fuse to form mycelium with both types of nuclei.
Mycelium growth leads to nuclei division ensuring each new cell retains its original type.
As conditions become favorable, a button mushroom develops, progressing through stages to a mature mushroom, completing the life cycle.

Species Descriptions of Fungi

Stalked Scarlet Cup (Sarcoscypha occidentalis):
- Cap size: ¼ - 5/8”, tiny red cup on a white stalk (3/8 - 1 ¼”).
- Habitat: Found on wet sticks and branches in damp deciduous woods during spring/early summer.
- Not edible, has spores in the lining of the cup.
Yellow Morel (Morchella esculenta):
- Size: Typically 7-15 cm tall; honeycomb cap; completely hollow.
- Habitat: Grows near dead Elm, Cottonwood, apple trees, and old fruit trees from early April to early May.
- Edible; caution against false morels that lack a hollow structure.
Crown-Tipped Coral (Artomyces pyxidatus):
- No cap; features coral-like branches, yellow-tan color with crown-like tips.
- Habitat: Grows on dead wood of deciduous trees in summer.
- Edible with a peppery taste.
Dryad’s Saddle (Polyporus squamosus):
- Circular to fan-shaped cap covered with dark brown scales.
- Habitat: Grows on living or dead deciduous wood, reappears annually.
- Edible with a watermelon taste when raw.
Elegant Stinkhorn (Mutinus elegans):
- Long pinkish-orange column with a greenish-brown slime at the top.
- Habitat: Found in mulched areas and rotting wood from July to September.
- Edible when immature but caution advised due to look-alikes.
Emetic Russula (Russula emetica):
- Bright red cushioned cap, brittle flesh.
- Habitat: Grows in mixed woods from July to October.
- Poisonous; can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Fawn or Deer Mushroom (Pluteus cervinus):
- Brownish gray cap with darker fibers, smooth texture.
- Habitat: Grows on dead wood or buried wood from May to October.
- Edible with caution; resembles toxic varieties.
Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea):
- Massive, spherical shape, can grow up to 2 feet across.
- Habitat: Common in lawns and woodlands from August to October.
- Edible when completely white inside; green/yellow indicates potential toxicity.
Green-Gilled Lepiota (Chlorophyllum molybdites):
- Large white cap with cream-colored scales, 2-12” wide.
- Habitat: Grows in fairy rings in lawns and meadows during summer/fall.
- Poisonous; can cause severe illness.
Indigo Milk Cap (Lactarius indigo):
- Medium size, light blue cap that bleeds blue liquid when cut.
- Habitat: Found in mixed woodlands from early summer to fall.
- Edible.
Jack-O-Lantern (Omphalotus illudens):
- Pumpkin orange cap, bioluminescent gills.
- Conservation recommendation: Manage natural areas to protect mushroom populations, continue species research, and develop habitat findings.

General Mushroom Facts

Ancient Greeks believed mushrooms emerged from Zeus’s lightning after storms.
Approximately 1.5 million fungi species are estimated to exist, with around 80,000 described.
The largest organism on Earth is a honey mushroom in Oregon, covering over 3.5 miles.
A giant puffball can produce over 7 trillion spores.
To observe spores, create a spore print by placing a mushroom cap on paper and covering it.

Mycology Terminology

Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms lacking chloroplasts, characterized by chitin in cell walls.
Mycelium: A mass of hyphae, the vegetative part of a fungus.
Hypha: Filamentous structures that make up mycelium.
Fruiting Body: Structures that bear spores.
Mycorrhizae: Symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots.
Mycophagist: A person who eats fungi.
Mycologist: A person studying mycology.

Introduction to Mushrooms

Mushrooms belong to the Kingdom Fungi, which is diverse and extensive, second to insects in species quantity.
Over 10,000 mushroom species exist in the United States, with at least 2,000 in Illinois.
The study of fungi is known as mycology, and researchers are called mycologists.
Fungi play critical roles in ecosystems, aiding in nutrient recycling and forming beneficial mycorrhizal relationships with plants.

Mycorrhizae and Ecological Roles

Mycorrhizae involve a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots, enhancing plant growth and nutrient absorption.
Fungi can be destructive pathogens but also beneficial, enabling plants to thrive in adverse conditions.

Mushroom Anatomy and Definitions

"Mushroom" refers to various fungi with large, visible fruiting bodies including species like boletes, chanterelles, and more.
There is a risk of misidentifying edible and toxic mushrooms due to their visual similarities.

Species Overview

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Edible with a spongy, white mass covered with spines; found on hardwoods.
Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus): Not edible; vase-shaped with dark lines and gray to black "eggs" containing spores; grows in moist, shaded areas.
Yellow Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius): Edible; has a trumpet shape, yellowish-orange color, and grows around oak trees after rains.
Rounded Earthstar (Geastrum saccatum): Not edible; star-shaped structure with a split outer layer; found on humus in late summer.
Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus): Edible when young; transforms into a liquid spore mass when mature; prefers grassy and disturbed areas.
Split-Gill (Schizophyllum commune): Small, white, and fan-shaped; not recommended for consumption.
Spotted Bolete (Boletus affinis): Edible; contains yellow tubes beneath its red-brown cap; found in deciduous forests.
Sulfur-Colored Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus): Edible; fan-shaped, bright sulfur yellow beneath; typically found on dead trees.
Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor): Edible/medicinal; known for multicolored brackets; used in traditional medicine.
Wood Ear (Auricularia auricula): Edible; wrinkled, gelatinous texture; commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Yellow-Orange Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria variety formosa): Not edible; poisonous and hallucinogenic with a distinctive cap covered in white warts.

Conservation Concerns

Mushroom populations, especially in forested areas of Illinois, are declining due to habitat degradation from urbanization and agriculture.

Terminology

Fruiting Body: Spore-bearing structure of fungi.
Hyphae: Filamentous structures composing mycelium.
Mycorrhizae: Fungal roots enhancing plant nutrient uptake.
Mycophagist: Individual who consumes fungi.
Volva: Basal structure of a universal veil at the stipe's lower part.
Pathogen: Organism causing disease.

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Description

Test your knowledge on edible and non-edible mushrooms with this interactive quiz. Learn how to distinguish between dangerous and harmless varieties, ensuring safe identification and appreciation of fungi. Perfect for mushroom enthusiasts and beginners alike!