Beyond Plants and Animals: The Fascinating Realm of Fungi

Fungi: Plants or Animals?

Well, fungi are actually neither plants nor animals. They don't photosynthesize like plants, nor do they ingest their food like animals. Instead, they have their own kingdom: the fungi kingdom.

This kingdom consists of multiple species that live in both marine and land environments. Fungi can be either unicellular or multicellular. Some of the well-known creatures in this kingdom are yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.

If you still want to compare them to plants or animals, fungi are actually closer to animals than plants. They share a common ancestor with animals. But they aren't part of either flora or fauna.

While most connotations associated with fungi are negative, did you know that the world would crumble without them?

Fungi provide plants with crucial nutrients essential for their survival. They also protect plants against disease and drought. Without fungi, there would be no forests to hike or plants to eat.

If you're thinking you could survive on meat alone, consider this: herbivores like cows can't break down grass without fungi in their gut. So there goes your steak!

Many of our favorite foods—such as bread, chocolate, soy sauce, beer, and even wine—need yeast (a type of fungus) to ferment. Can you imagine a world without these items in your pantry?

Still need more convincing? Cholesterol-lowering statins, life-saving antibiotics like penicillin, and medicines that allow for organ transplants all come from fungi.

A World Beyond Flora and Fauna

The kingdom of fungi has been ignored by the world for a long time. But it’s slowly picking up, especially with the solutions that it provides in the worsening environmental and health crises that we are in.

Medicinal compounds made by fungi to treat urgent and life-threatening mental health ailments such as PTSD and depression are finally being legalized.

Brands are leveraging mycelium, the hidden root system of the mushroom to solve the climate crisis.

Read Also: Mycelium Mania: Why Everyone's Talking About It

• Mycelium is being used to create plant-based mycelium-based meats, encouraging more people to shift away from animal products.
• Companies like Ecovative Design have developed mycelium sponges as replacements for single-use plastic items, such as disposable masks and sponges. Our compostable earplugs at GOB.Earth are also made of Aerial Mycelium grown by Ecovative Design.
• Apparel companies are turning to mycelium to craft sustainable alternatives to leather and synthetic textiles.
• Other brands are utilizing mycelium composites—grown on agricultural waste—to produce low-cost, eco-friendly building materials.
• In the packaging industry, brands are employing mycelium to create home compostable packaging, reducing reliance on plastic and polystyrene.