Why Aren't Mushrooms Classified as Plants? Understanding Fungi vs. Flora

Discover why mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom, not plants, and learn about their unique characteristics.

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Mushrooms aren't classified as plants because they belong to the fungi kingdom. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis; they absorb nutrients from organic matter. Their cell walls are made of chitin, not cellulose like plants.**

FAQs & Answers

  1. What kingdom do mushrooms belong to? Mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom, which is distinct from the plant kingdom.
  2. Can fungi perform photosynthesis? No, fungi do not perform photosynthesis; they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter.
  3. What are the key differences between plants and fungi? Key differences include cell wall composition (chitin in fungi vs. cellulose in plants) and nutrient absorption methods.
  4. Are mushrooms considered vegetables? While mushrooms are often grouped with vegetables in cooking, they are biologically classified as fungi.