King of the World

In 1968 Fungi were given their own realm on the taxonomic chart. This diverse Kingdom may have over a million and a half species. The largest, and oldest organism on the planet is a fungal mat in Oregon.

Fungus is Latin for 'mushroom', the shape most commonly associated and easily recognized. The mushroom is the fruiting body, a chance at reproduction, from a complicated system just beneath the surface. Mushrooms contain over 36,000 sexes.

Humans and other animals are more closely related to fungus than plants. We've shared diseases, and can learn a lot from the evolution of the mysterious mushroom. Enjoy the images.