Fungi are everywhere in the forest. They can be found growing on the branches, trunks and roots of trees, as well as on fallen trees and on tree stumps. 

There are numerous fungi in the ground beneath our feet. If the forest floor is studied with a microscope, small fungi can be seen growing among the ground level vegetation.

The ecosystem of the forest would not function without fungi. Other organisms rely on fungi either directly or indirectly. For example, the forest trees discussed in the previous chapter could not grow without the help of fungi that live in connection with their root systems.