fungi

Text and illustrations look at plants and fungi.

"A . . . warning about the mysterious and deadly world of fungi--and how to avert further loss across species, including our own. Fungi are everywhere. Most are harmless; some are helpful. A few are killers. Collectively, infectious fungi are the most devastating agents of disease on earth, and a fungus that can persist in the environment without its host is here to stay. In 'Blight,' Emily Monosson documents how trade, travel, and a changing climate are making us all more vulnerable to invasion . . ."--Provided by publisher.

"Fungi are all around us. They root and fruit and twist and twine. The mycelium roots spread below ground while the mushroom fruits pop above the earth. Some are edible, and some are poisonous. Some help keep forests communicate, others recycle decaying matter. But all across the world, fungi are growing. Discover when, how, where, and why in this . . . nonfiction picture book"--Provided by publisher.

"Fungi are everywhere[.] They live in the coldest corner of Antarctica and on hot, sandy desert dunes. They're in the air you breathe, the ground you walk on, and the food you eat. But fungi are more than pizza toppings. They form partnerships with plants and help us clean up our planet through bioremediation. Some fungi eat our crops; others protect them. Some fungi cause diseases; others cure them. Some are bigger than you; others are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. And now, people are finding ways to use fungi to make furniture, building materials, and even sneakers. So grab your gear, and let's go find some funky fungi"--Back cover.

"Plants and fungi can be weird. Did you know some plants can bleed? Or eat meat? In [this book], readers will explore the science behind plants and fungi"--Provided by publisher.

Profiles fifteen plants and fungi with life-changing effects, revealing their stories and providing step-by-step instructions for growing and caring for each one.

It is easy to be grossed out by fungi or worry about its impact on our health. While both are valid concerns, fungi and mold are actually important to our everyday lives. Like bacteria, fungi exist almost everywhere on the planet. They are hardy organisms the thrive in places you might not expect. Also like bacteria, they are essential in the breakdown of dead and decaying matter. One important group of fungi that does this is known as saprophytes. These fungi use decaying matter for nourishment, and without them breaking down organic matter throughout the environment, life on Earth would be quite different. Without fungi, the world we know could not exist.

Microbes are everywhere! They live on and under the ground. They live in all kinds of water on Earth, even around the hottest deep-sea vents. They even live on and inside your body! Since the advent of powerful microscopes, scientists have been studying our world's smallest denizens. Many people get scared just hearing the words "bacteria," "fungus," and "virus" because of the diseases they cause. However, scientists have discovered many beneficial microbes that actually help support all life on Earth. Geneticists have sequenced the genomes of numerous microbes, extending our knowledge of the organisms and how they affect our lives.

Plants and fungi can be weird. Did you know some plants can bleed? Or eat meat? In Weird Science: Plants and Fungi, readers will explore the science behind plants and fungi. This high-interest series is written at a low readability to aid struggling readers. Educational sidebars include a science activity, a spotlight biography, fast facts, and an unsolved mystery! A table of contents, glossary of keywords, index, and author biography are included.

"Beneath the forest floor, drifting through the air, and growing inside other living things, fungi are everywhere. Fungi break down waste and help plants and animals grow, but they can also destroy buildings and turn ants into zombies! From tiny microbes to the largest living thing, this is a world of strange shapes, magical colors, and fascinating science"--Back cover.