{"product_id":"fungi-decoded-isbn-9798217033966","title":"Fungi Decoded","description":"\u003cb\u003eExplore the kingdom of fungi like never before! This uniquely interactive book pairs an accessible overview of Earth's most enigmatic organisms with a spinning wheel that reveals quick facts about 30 different species of mushrooms.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eFungi Decoded \u003c\/i\u003eis a visual celebration of the Fungus Kingdom, offering an introduction to mycology in its first half before diving into individual profiles of various diverse and astonishing mushrooms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis unique book features a spinning wheel built into the cover with fascinating information about thirty different species of mushrooms. Spin the wheel to see key facts at a glance, then flip to the corresponding mushroom's page for in-depth information about the species, including its morphogroup, distribution, habitat, and substrate type. The book offers a tour of the world's most intriguing mushrooms, spotlighting well-known fungi such as the Fly Agaric as well as morphological oddities such as Stinkhorns and Bird’s Nest Fungi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInformed by the latest research, and mycologist Britt Bunyard’s decades-long relationship with fungi across the globe, \u003ci\u003eFungi Decoded\u003c\/i\u003e also explores the most intriguing questions at the heart of these extraordinarily strange organisms. What makes some fungi glow? Which fungi strangle nematodes? How have fungi changed the course of human history? What happens if you step into a fairy ring of mushrooms? Why do some fungi grow in dung?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTaking a new spin on the planet’s most fascinating life forms, \u003ci\u003eFungi Decoded \u003c\/i\u003eis perfect for both new fungus fans and seasoned mycophiles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNote: This book is not meant for identifying edible mushrooms.\u003cb\u003eBritt A. Bunyard\u003c\/b\u003e, PhD, is the founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of the mycology journal \u003ci\u003eFungi\u003c\/i\u003e. Britt has worked academically as a mycologist his entire career, teaching a number of university courses and writing scientific articles for many research journals and popular science magazines. He has served as an editor for mycological and entomological research journals and mushroom guide books. A popular evangelizer on all things fungal, Britt has been featured on NPR’s \"All Things Considered\", PBS’s NOVA and Wisconsin Foodie television programs, and in \u003ci\u003eThe Atlantic\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eVogue\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eForbes\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSaveur\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWomen’s World\u003c\/i\u003e, and others. He serves as executive director of the Telluride Mushroom Festival. He co-authored \u003ci\u003eAmanitas of North America\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMushrooms and Macrofungi of Ohio and Midwestern States\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eThe Beginner's Guide to Mushrooms\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cb\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFungi are without doubt the most important link among all life on the planet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eungi have evolved the ability to utilize almost anything as a food source; they trick plants—and animals—into doing their bidding. They effectively poison, trap, kill, enslave, and zombify other living organisms. And they are without doubt the most important link among all life on the planet. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNeither plants nor animals, fungi form their own kingdom of living things. Although quite different from us, they are more like animals than any other life-form. This book aims to introduce some of the more charismatic species from the mysterious kingdom of fungi. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost species of fungi we will probably never see nor get to know; most are microbes and too small to see with the unaided eye. However, some fungi produce reproductive structures (mushrooms) that are large enough to be seen, and these “macrofungi” will be the main focus of this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike plants, which can create their own food by harnessing the energy of sunlight, fungi have to take energy and nutrients from other organisms (what’s called a heterotrophic lifestyle). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost fungi survive by doing one of three things in the environment. Many fungi are saprotrophic, meaning they break down dead matter from other organisms in order to live. Others get what they need by parasitizing a living host: many animal and plant diseases are caused by molds and other fungi; and others live as partners with other organisms, especially plants. Some fungi are harmful to their hosts; others may be toxic if eaten. But the more we learn about them, the more we see that the healthy function of the natural world around us is closely tied to them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFungi grow in a wide variety of habitats, and most, if not all, have an important role in the environment. Many species are specific about their food source and will be found near certain kinds of trees. Some prefer dry areas such as deserts or beaches. Many fungi are important as decomposing organisms, aiding in the breakdown of wood, leaves, and other organic debris in woodlands, grasslands, and even urban settings where woody mulch is used. This results in the recycling of essential nutrients. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you are fascinated by fungi but perplexed by their myriad forms and colors, this book is for you. With careful observations of shapes, colors, odors, and so on, along with noting the habitat in which they are found, it is possible to get to know and better understand them.","brand":"Clarkson Potter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233183314149,"sku":"NP9798217033966","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9798217033966.jpg?v=1767727799","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/fungi-decoded-isbn-9798217033966","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}