Many few consider mushrooms essential to human life. If asked to consider this diverse kingdom, most would respond only if they enjoy mushrooms on pizza, despite the fact that there are at least 1 million species of fungi that are believed to outnumber vascular plants by a ratio of six to one to thirty-three to one. Even so, only 100,000 species of mushrooms are known to exist while mycologists continue to discover 1,000 new species every year. Of note was the recent discovery of a single congregation of honey mushrooms believed to weigh 605 tons and cover 2,200 acres of Oregon's Strawberry Mountains. If considered a single organism, this 2,000-year-old fungus would have the largest surface area in the world (Stephenson 2010). As a result of this diversity, fungi form a complex and captivating clade that supports much of life on Earth. Mushrooms constitute an intriguing and esoteric kingdom; bioluminescent mushrooms offer a perfect example. Of the 71 types of light mushrooms, Armillaria mellea (honey mushrooms) is the most common North American variety. All species emit a green to blue light that differs significantly based on geographic location; Australian varieties tend to shine brighter than their North American relatives (Isaacs 2010). Because the light-producing luciferin molecules in these different species are not chemically identical, it is likely that each fungus evolved bioluminescence independently (Stephenson 2010). The reason for this evolutionary adaptation is unknown; however, it is possible that the extra light could attract insects that spread spores, just as bees move pollen (Isaacs 2010). Originally called "foxfire" by the Scandinavians, companies often used these mus... middle of paper ... the result is always the same. An in-depth look shows that fungi are much more important to Earth's survival than previously known. The entire rainforest depends on the ability of a single fungus to decompose food for leafcutter ants. Many nematode populations, some of the most diverse of all animals, are controlled almost exclusively by a fungus. Mushrooms have been a part of human life in immeasurable ways. Ignoring these wonderful cousins ​​of ours would not only be senseless, but perhaps fatal. Works Cited Isaacs, Emily. “This bark glows in the dark! Bioluminescence in fungi. Cornell University, April 12, 2010. Web. November 11, 2011. Moore, David et al. 2011. 21st Century Guide to Mushrooms. Cambridge University Press: New York.Stephenson, Steven L. 2010. The Kingdom of Fungi. Lumber press: Portland.