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Although mushrooms grow out of the ground like plants, they belong to a completely different kingdom—the fungi kingdom. The life cycle of fungi, like mushrooms, is unique and distinct from the life cycles of plants and animals. Understanding the stages of a mushroom life cycle provides fascinating insights into how fungi grow, reproduce, and contribute to their ecosystems. In this post, we’ll explore the life cycle of a mushroom step-by-step. For homeschool parents and biology teachers looking for engaging ways to introduce the fungi kingdom: be sure to check out my printable mushroom life cycle materials featuring my artwork!
Before diving into the mushroom life cycle, be sure to review the parts of a mushroom. It helps to be familiar with mushroom anatomy terms including mycelium, hyphae, and spores.
1. Spores Germinate and Hyphae Form
The life cycle of a mushroom begins with spores. A spore is a single cell, but not just any cell – it’s a special cell for reproduction. When spores land on the soil or another surface, they germinate, which means start growing. The spores develop into hyphae: long branching filaments made of many cells.
2. Hyphae Meet
In animals, there are two mating types, known as male and female. Fungi also have different mating types (two or more depending on the species). When two hyphae of different but compatible mating types come into contact, they fuse together. This fusion allows new, unique hyphae to grow.
3. Mycelium Expands and Primordia Form
As the hyphae grow and expand, they form a mycelium – the underground part of a fungus. As the mycelium spreads, clusters of hyphae called hyphal knots start to develop. These hyphal knots are a sign that a mushroom may soon form. The knots grow into small structures called primordia, which are like baby mushrooms.
4. Button Forms
Many hyphal knots and primordia form in the mycelium, but only a few grow into mature mushrooms. A mushroom is the fruiting body of a fungus – its reproductive structure that makes spores. When a mushroom is young, it is called a button. Buttons have protective veils covering their gills.
Looking for a hands-on mushroom activity to try with your class? You can grow your own edible mushrooms using a kit, and watch buttons form from the mycelium! Here are a few examples of kits:
- Oyster mushroom kits from ForestOriginsShop
- Shiitake mushroom kits from TrailbridgeFarms
5. Spores Release
Once the mushroom is fully developed, it opens, revealing its gills. The gills release spores. A single mushroom can produce billions of spores. Spores are very light, allowing them to travel easily through the air. If they land in a good spot, some will germinate and start the life cycle all over again.
Teach Mushroom Life Cycles with Wild Earth Lab!
Do you need classroom materials for teaching fungi life cycles? I’ve created some for you! This set includes all the printable materials you need for studying how mushrooms form! Your purchase will support this blog.
Or, get these life cycle materials PLUS more mushroom activities in my complete Mushroom Unit:
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References and Further Reading
- Arora, D. (1986). Mushrooms Demystified (Second Edition). Ten Speed Press and Random House, Inc.
- Ha, M., Morrow, M., & Algiers, K. (n.d.). Botany. ASCCC Open Educational Resource Initiative. Available Chapter 2.3 Fungi. Available via LibreTexts: https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Botany/Botany_(Ha_Morrow_and_Algiers)/
- Various Authors (n.d.). Introductory Biology: Evolutionary and Ecological Perspectives. Chapter XVI. Fungi. Available via University of Minnesota PressBooks: https://pressbooks.umn.edu/introbio/
- OpenStax (n.d.). Concepts in Biology (OpenStax). Chapter 13.4 Fungi. Available via LibreTexts: https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General_Biology/Concepts_in_Biology_(OpenStax)/