Fungi Lifecycle

Why is a fungus not a plant?

Plants use chlorophyll to make their own food from the energy of sun light. This is why they are green. Organisms that can make their own food are called autotrophs. Fungi cannot make their own food, they are like animals in that they have to obtain food from somewhere. Plants have cell walls made up of a tough substance called cellulose. Fungi have cell walls that are made up of a substance called chitin. Chitin is a strong, light substance that also makes up the exoskeletons of insects. Organisms that have to obtain their food are called heterotrophs.

Why is a fungus not an animal?

Animals and fungi are both heterotrophs but animals take in (or eat) their food and digest it internally while fungi digest their food externally. The fungus produces enzymes into their surroundings. This breaks down their food that is then absorbed into its body.