Mushrooms are heterotrophs. They are not plants or autotrophs. This energy ultimately comes from the sun, and only plants, or autotrophs, can directly use this energy to make food.

The USDA considers mushrooms as the part of the vegetable group.] [Mushrooms are considered as one of the vegetables but they do not grow out of plants.

Mushrooms are heterotrophs (i.e., they cannot perform photosynthesis). Consequently, they feed on organic matter.

The top part of a mushroom is called the cap. This cap looks similar to an umbrella and acts in a similar way in protection. This protection is most important to the gills and spores that are just below the cap. From the cap we can see what is called the stem of the mushroom.

Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forests. Some kinds of fungi, such as mushrooms, look like plants. While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores—like millipedes, earthworms, and termites—eat dead organisms and wastes.

The main characteristic of plants is that they contain chlorophyll, which is used to convert energy from sunlight into carbohydrates. However, mushrooms contain no chlorophyll which means they can not photosynthesize; they ‘steal’ the carbohydrates they need from plants.

Some species can release a stinging substance. Earthworms and red wriggler worms are perfectly safe to hold bare-handed, though it’s probably prudent to wash your hands before eating your next meal. Centipedes can bite, but they are nearly impossible to catch, which works out well.

Last year, a bunch of researchers listed which animals they studied farted. According to their list, it appears that some worms don’t pass gas either. Some scientists have found that a lot of them don’t usually carry the same kinds of gas-forming bacteria in their guts that humans and other mammals do.