Some types of fungi contain lateral hyphae that absorb nutrients from other organisms, called haustoria . Reproduction is accomplished by the release of sexual or asexual spores. For many species of fungi sexual reproduction is a contingency used when environmental conditions are difficult. Under favorable conditions asexual spores are produced by the millions and dispersed over a large area. Haploid conditions prevail in the life cycles of most fungi.
Conjugation occurs in many fungal species.
Fungi are classified into units called Divisions. There are 4 divisions based primarily on variations of sexual reproduction. The names of the divisions are based on the sexual structure that characterizes that group of fungi. These are mostly terrestrial fungi that live in soil or on decaying plant or animal material. Their hyphae are coenocytic , with many haploid nuclei.