Classification+of+Life+by+Rachel+K.

__ ** Classification of Life ** __ By Rachel K.

__ **Structure of Fungi** __ Most fungi is made up of thin tubes with many cells called hyphae. The hyphae are useful to fungi because they produce enzymes that help break down food outside of the fungi. The fungal cells then absorb the food that was digested by the enzymes.

__ **Characteristics of Fungi** __ All fungi share certain characteristics. Since fungi cannot produce food, it is not classified as a plant. The best habitat for fungi to grow are warm, humid places. __** Lichens **__ A lichen is a colorful organism that is made up of fungus and either a green alga or cyanobacterium. The green alga or cyanobacterium make food for the fungus. Lichens are important because they are food to some animals, because they can help scientists monitor pollution, and because they help rocks weather.  __**Identification**__ Though there is no easy way to identify poisonous fungi versus nonpoisonous, you can study the different species of fungi such as Club, Sac, and Zygote fungi. If you can identify the species of mushroom, you can look up whether or not the species is poisonous.