As fungi are heterotrophic organisms, they have developed different ways to gain energy produced by other organisms. Many fungi of the forest, such as boletes, milk caps, and chanterelles, gain energy by living in symbiosis with trees and other plants. Symbiosis is a kind of a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms. Together, the mycelium of the fungus and the roots of the tree form a structure called a mycorrhiza.

Through the mycorrhiza, the fungus recieves sugars produced by the tree during photosynthesis. In return, the tree receives water and nutrients gathered by the fungus. Therefore, both the fungus and the tree benefit from their symbiotic relationship.


The mycorrhiza transports photosynthesis products, nutrients and water between a fungus and the roots of a plant. 

Many forest plants need their fungal partners to thrive and grow. For example, the roots of the pine tree are incapable of gathering enough water and nutrients without the help of a symbiotic fungi. Similarly, fungi are also reliant on their plant partners.


The pine bolete lives in symbiosis with a pine tree.

Lichens are also part of the fungi kingdom. They consist of two symbiotic parts: a fungus and an alga. Most of a lichen's body consists of fungal cells, but photosynthetic algal cells can be found on its surface. 

The algal part of the lichen produces sugars during photosynthesis, which are used by the fungal part as a source of energy. In return, the fungal part provides the algal part with a surface to grow on, as well as giving it access to more water and nutrients.


Reindeer lichen.