Fungi (Kingdom)

Fungi are a diverse kingdom of organisms that include mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. They play essential roles in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients. Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesize; instead, they absorb nutrients through their cell walls, often from decayed material or living hosts. They can reproduce via spores, which disperse into the environment. Fungi are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, are used in food production (like bread and cheese), and have medical applications, such as antibiotics. They range from single-celled yeasts to large, complex mushrooms.