The English word fungus is directly adopted from the Latin fungus (mushroom), used in the writings of Horace and Pliny. This in turn is derived from the Greek word sphongos (σφόγγος 'sponge'), which refers to the

 ...

Before the introduction of molecular methods for phylogenetic analysis, taxonomists considered fungi to be members of the plant kingdombecause of similarities in lifestyle:

 ...

Fungi have a worldwide distribution, and grow in a wide range of habitats, including extreme environments such as deserts or areas with high salt concentrations or ionizing radiation,

 ...

Microscopic structures
Most fungi grow as hyphae, which are cylindrical, thread-like structures 2–10 µmin diameter and up to several centimeters in length. Hyphae grow at their tips (apices); new hyphae are typically formed by emergence of new tips

 ...

The growth of fungi as hyphae on or in solid substrates or as single cells in aquatic environments is adapted for the efficient extraction of nutrients, because these growth forms have high surface area to volume ratios. Hyphae are specifically adapted for growth on

 ...

Fungal reproduction is complex, reflecting the differences in lifestyles and genetic makeup within this diverse kingdom of organisms. It is estimated

 ...

Mycology is the branch of biologyconcerned with the systematic study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy, and their use to humans

 ...