basidiomycetes
/bəˌsɪdioʊmaɪˈsitiz/
noun
- A large group of fungi that produce spores on basidia; includes mushrooms, puffballs, and shelf fungi.
- Basidiomycetes are the most familiar group of fungi, including common mushrooms.
- The study of basidiomycetes helps scientists understand how fungi decompose organic matter.
- Many basidiomycetes play an important role in breaking down dead wood in forests.