MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

WILDLIFE

FUNGI

[photo, Bracket or Shelf Fungi, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland] Fungi are their own distinct kingdom, separate from plants and animals. They are eukaryotes, which means that their genetic material is stored in the enclosed nucleus or nuclei of a cell. They include yeasts, molds, and the group commonly known as mushrooms.

Bracket or Shelf Fungi, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Mushroom, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland]

Mushroom, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

[photo, Bracket or Shelf Fungi, Grantsvile, Maryland] Fungi can grow in any environment, but they generally are found on land. Fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain the nutrients that they need from living or dead organisms around them. The fungus releases digestive enzymes which dissolve the organic matter into molecules that then are absorbed.

Bracket or Shelf Fungi, Grantsvile, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Fungi can be very beneficial. They decompose dead organic materials, providing essential nutrients for other organisms in the ecosystem. Many antibiotics and other drugs, including penicillin, are made from fungi. Mushrooms and truffles are used as food. Yeasts not only are used for baking bread and fermenting alcohol, but also for genetic studies and other scientific research and analysis. Some fungi are used in detergents or pesticides.
[photo, Mushroom, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland] Other fungi, however, are dangerous. Fungal diseases, including rust, smut, and rot, can cause significant damage to and loss of agricultural crops, and other plant or tree life. Mycotoxins produced by pathogenic fungi can cause a variety of infections and diseases if inhaled or ingested, or if they come in contact with skin. Some produce mild infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis (nail infection), while others cause more serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases (especially in those with weakened immune systems), including aspergillosis and histoplasmosis (diseases which generally affect the lungs). Several varieties of mushrooms are poisonous and should not be ingested.

Mushroom, New Germany State Park, Grantsvile, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

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