Fungus- any diverse group of eukaryotic single celled organisms that live by decomposing and absorbing the organic material in which the grow comprising the mushrooms, mold, mildew, smuts, rust, and yeast.
A fungus is a living thing that is not a plant or an animal. When there is more than one of them it is called fungi. The most familiar fungi are mushrooms, mildew, truffles, and yeast. Fungi are everywhere in the world. They especially grow in mild and moist regions and in the tropics. You can find fungi in water, soil, and in the air. Some even live in or on plants and animals. A fungus is sometimes a mass of threadlike strands. Fungi usually reproduce by forming tiny cells called spores. This is usually the part of a fungus that you can see. For example, a mushroom spore-producing part of a fungus that is mostly under the ground. Wind, water, and insects take spores away from the fungus that made them. If the spore drops in a damp place it can grow a new one. Fungi grow by feeding on other organisms. A lot of fungi feed on dead plants and animal material. These fungi are called saprophytes. These fungi help the environment by eating fallen trees, animal droppings, and other dead matter.
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Britannica Elementary Encyclopedia, ©11/3/10