Fungi for Dummies

About this book

Discover the fundamentals of fungi with this engaging and easy-to-follow book

Fungi for Dummies gives you an in-depth view of the wide world of mycology. With this science-focused yet clear and readable book, you'll dig deep into the science of the fascinating organisms that help this planet thrive. Learn about fungi classifications and structures, their uses in and beyond medicine, their importance to environmental sustainability, and how they have shaped human cultures around the world. Go beyond the typical mushroom field guide and get a thorough introduction to the study of mycology that tracks a typical undergraduate course in the field.

- Grasp the basics of mycology, including how fungi grow and how they differ from plants
- Discover the role fungi play in ecosystems around the world
- Learn to classify the different biological structures that appear in fungi
- Know the various fungal groups and their roles in nature and in human endeavors

Perfect for those who want or need to get a grasp on mycology, Fungi for Dummies is an approachable introduction to this essential organism group.

Contents

Introduction   1

Part 1: Getting Started with Fungi   5
Chapter 1. Finding the Fungus Among Us   7
Chapter 2. Exploring the Role of Fungi in Nature   13
Chapter 3. Benefitting from Fungal Relationships   35
Chapter 4. Examining Fungal Structures   53
Chapter 5. Reproducing the Fungal Way   75

Part 2: Diving Deeper Into Fungal Groups   91
Chapter 6. Mapping the Genetics of Fungi   93
Chapter 7. Digging Into the Origins of Fungi   107
Chapter 8. Swimming with Zoosporic Fungi   119
Chapter 9. Adapting to Life on Land with the Zygomycetous Fungi   133
Chapter 10. Morels, Yeasts, Mildews, and More: The Ascomycota   145
Chapter 11. Portobellos, Puffballs, Stinkhorns, and More: The Basidiomycota   159

Part 3: Putting Fungi to Use   175
Chapter 12. Fine Dining with Fungi   177
Chapter 13. Spiritual Uses of Fungi   195
Chapter 14. Using Fungi as Medicine   209
Chapter 15. Farming Fungi   229

Part 4: the Part of Tens   239
Chapter 16. Ten Fantastical Fungi Tricks   241
Chapter 17. Ten Ways We May Use Fungi in the Future   251
Chapter 18. Ten Resources for Learning More About Fungi   261

Index   267

Customer Reviews

Biography

René Fester Kratz, PhD, is a biology instructor at Everett Community College and a member of the North Cascades and Olympic Science Partnership. She's also the author of Botany For Dummies and Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies.