The fungal kingdom includes a diverse range of both unicellular and multicellular organisms that share common traits, yet stand apart significantly from the realms of plants, animals, and protists. They exhibit varied characteristics, such as the absence of chlorophyll or the presence of a mycelial structure. 

Fungi play a crucial role within ecosystems by actively participating in the decomposition of organic matter, thereby recycling essential nutrients within the biogeochemical cycle. They also actively interact with plants and animals forming mutualistic associations facilitating the nutrition, defense and communication within the communities. Moreover, certain fungi find applications in human dietary consumption, the crafting of alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, and even within the pharmaceutical domain for the synthesis of antibiotics and other bioactive compounds.

Data retrieved from The Catalogue of Life