Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6–9

Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6–9 — page 9
The tiny earthworms you find in your backyard are just a fraction of the size of some tropical earthworms which may grow up to six feet 1 8 m in length Imagine an earthworm as tall as a man Now that's something to hook a fish with Funky Fungi Have you ever eaten a mushroom Mushrooms are a type of fungus Fungi are the mega decomposers of the forest floor Many mushrooms in the rainforest grow on top of rotting leaves but there are also other types of fungus that grow in threads among and below them These threads become like a strong web that feeds on the plant tissue The threads release a substance that can break down tough plant material Many fungi live most of their lives underground except for occasionally flowering and fruiting above ground Fungi flowers don't look like what you might picture They are odd shaped and most smell awful Not all fungi are decomposers Some of them actually form a mat around the roots of plants that is helpful to the plant Instead of the fungus killing the plant the fungus obtains nitrogen and sugars from the plant roots while the plant absorbs minerals from the fungus This relationship is called