Revised and updated in accordance with modern taxonomic proposals, this edition offers a well-documented, logical and clear explanation of the structure and classification of fungi along with an introduction to physiological, biochemical, genetic and ecological data. The taxonomic approach provides a framework with predictive value. Therefore, the discussions of the numerous activities of fungi that directly or indirectly impact other living things, including humans, are discussed in the context of their close relatives. Contains scores of illustrations, life cycle drawings, tables and new photographs. Table of Contents Partial table of contents: Kingdom Fungi : Introduction to the Fungi and Their Significance to Humans. Characteristics of the Fungi . Phylum Chytridiomycota . Phylum Zygomycota : Class Zygomycetes . Phylum Ascomycota : Introduction to Ascomycetes. Phylum Ascomycota : Archiascomycetes. Phylum Ascomycota : Filamentous Ascomycetes????????Order Eurotiales and Related Species. Phylum Basidiomycota : Order Agaricales ????????The Mushrooms. Phylum Basidiomycota : Order Uredinales ????????The Rust Fungi. Phylum Oomycota . Phylum Hypochytriomycota . Phylum Acrasiomycota : Acrasid Cellular Slime Molds. Phylum Myxomycota : True Slime Molds. Glossary. Index.