Saprophytic fungi decompose dead organic matter and recycle elements in ecosystems.
Fungi that are symbionts form mycorrhizae with the roots of vascular plants. Both fungi and vascular plants prosper from this association. Lastly, fungi that are parasitic live on existing plants, animals, or other fungi to the detriment of the host organism. Each of these roles benefits the ecosystem. The development of this checklist was made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Wild Resources Conservation fund administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.