Fairy rings are caused by fungi belonging to which class?

Fairy rings are commonly caused by fungi that belong to the Basidiomycete class. This group includes a variety of fungi that produce fruiting bodies, which are the mushrooms often observed in fairy rings. The growth pattern of these fungi typically results in a ring or arc of mushrooms in grass or other plant material, as they spread out from a central point where the initial mycelium colonized.

Basidiomycetes are known for their ability to break down organic matter, and they play a crucial role in ecosystems by contributing to nutrient recycling. The formation of fairy rings is a reflection of their growth habit and reproductive strategy, where they radiate outward as they consume the available nutrients from the soil and organic material.

In contrast, the other classes of fungi mentioned, such as Ascomycetes, Zygomycetes, and Chytridiomycetes, do not typically form fairy rings and have different ecological roles and structures. Ascomycetes, for example, often form sac-like structures for spore production, while Zygomycetes and Chytridiomycetes have distinct life cycles and habitats, further differentiating them from the fairy ring phenomenon associated with Basidiomycetes.