The Pervasive Kingdom of Fungi

Fungi play a vital role in the ecosystem, with over six million species believed to exist on Earth, although only a small fraction has been identified. They are crucial for processes such as decomposition, helping to recycle nutrients back into the environment. Moreover, fungi are instrumental in the development of life-saving antibiotics like penicillin, highlighting their significance to human health. However, they are also responsible for serious diseases, with estimates indicating over one billion people worldwide suffer from fungal infections annually.