Fungi: Mushrooms, Toadstools, Molds, Yeasts, and Other Fungi

by Judy Wearing

There are hundreds of thousands of different known fungi with many still to be discovered and developed. This interesting book features an examination of the four major groups: yeasts, toadstools, chytrids, and bread molds. Key characteristics of fungi are highlighted, such as spore production, fungi's need to feed, and their use of long, branching cells known as hyphae to absorb nutrients from the environment. Special sections explore such varieties as saprophytes, which feed on dead and decaying matter; parasites, which often do considerable harm to other species; and species that form mutualistic relationships with other species to form composite organisms, such as lichen. Case histories involving fungi include penicillin and the fight against disease, and genetically modified (GM) products in food technology.

Genres: Science

48 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2010

Reviews

[Alicia Thompson]

While I found this book to be quite enjoyable, it was too advanced for my second grader. This would be a great one to revisit in middle school. Beautiful photographs and very thorough.

[Dinh Hong]

Short, brief of fungi's world..

[Lara]

This book has a lot of interesting information and great photographs of fungi. The discussions about the relationships fungi have with other organisms was particularly interesting. I learned that white button mushrooms, brown creminis and portobello mushrooms are all the same species.

[Kim]

I'm loving this series! And while I never thought I'd say this---despite my love of mushrooms---fungi are awesome. (Go pin molds!)

[Debbie Graham]

Very informative. One oversight; shows picture of false morel but not the true (edible) one.