Biology : Deadly mushrooms
Hello everyone,
Students have been learning about fungi in Biology class, so I decided to give them a lesson all about deadly mushrooms. We watched a video about the diverse uses for mushrooms and then split the class into pairs. Each pair was assigned a different mushroom and given a fact card about their fungi. They had to read the information, and then share their findings with the rest of the class, before completing a poster fact file. Check out all of the info below!
Death cap
The Death cap is a deadly poisonous fungus. It is found across Europe, and now in other parts of the world. The mushrooms appear in summer and autumn; they are generally green in colour with a white stalk. The Death cap is one of the most poisonous of all known mushrooms. It is estimated that as little as half a mushroom contains enough toxin to kill an adult human. It has been involved in the majority of human deaths from mushroom poisoning, possibly including the deaths of Roman Emperor Claudius in AD 54 and Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1740. Eating this mushroom damages the liver and kidneys.
Destroying angel
Destroying angel mushrooms are deadly all-white mushrooms found in eastern and western North America and in Europe. Young specimens are sometimes confused with puffballs or other non-deadly mushrooms. They have white stalks and caps. Destroying angels are among the most toxic known mushrooms, responsible for 95% of all mushroom related deaths. The symptoms of the poison include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea starting 10–20h after ingestion; severe damage to the liver and kidney follows, and this damage finally leads to death.
Fool’s webcap
Cortinarius orellanus, or the fool's webcap, is a species of deadly fungus native to Europe, it is found in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, though is rare in Germany. It is occasionally found in southern Britain. This mushroom is usually brown, tan or orange all over. They are highly toxic and eating them results in kidney failure, which is often irreversible. It is often mistaken for an edible mushroom the Chanterelle.
Panther cap
Amanita pantherina, also known as the panther cap and false blusher is a species of fungus found in Europe and Western Asia, they are rare to find in Britain. The colour of this mushroom varies from light to dark brown with white spots, like the coat of a panther. This mushroom is deadly but is also considered a ‘magic mushroom’ since eating it can produce
psychoactive effects which will eventually kill you. This toxic mushroom's symptoms of poisoning appear a short time after ingestion (normally between 1 and 4 hours) with digestive disorders (diarrhoea, vomiting, dryness of the mouth), accelerated heart rate and nervous disorders: delirium, nervousness, hallucinations, mental confusion.
Funeral bell
Galerina, or Funeral bell is a type of small brown mushroom, with over 300 species found all over the world, mainly in Europe, North America and Asia. They are typically small with a thin and brittle stem. They are often found growing on wood, and when on the ground have a preference for mossy habitats. This type of mushroom contains the same deadly poison we find in Death cap mushrooms, which can cause fatal kidney and liver failure.
Angel’s wings
The Angel’s wings mushroom is white, thin and smooth. In Britain, this species is found mainly in Scotland and northern England, and occasionally in Wales and Ireland. Angel's Wings fungi also occur in northern mainland Europe, in cool parts of Asia, and in some regions of North America. In the past it was considered edible, however a series of people suffered kidney failure in Japan, so they are now listed as poisonous.
Fool’s funnel
Clitocybe rivulosa, commonly known as the false champignon or fool's funnel, is a poisonous fungus. One of several species similar in appearance, it is a small white funnel-shaped toadstool widely found in lawns, meadows and other grassy areas in Europe and North America. Also known as the sweating mushroom, it derives this name from the symptoms of poisoning (SLUDGE syndrome) which severely damages the muscles and respiratory system.
Devil’s Bolete
Rubroboletus satanas, commonly known as the Devil's bolete, is found in woodlands in the warmer regions of Europe, it is classified as a poisonous mushroom, known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhoea and violent vomiting. However, reports of poisoning are rare, due to its striking appearance and at times putrid smell, which discourage people from eating it. They are very distinctive since they are normally brightly coloured and often massive, they have yellow to orange-red pores and a red stem. They smell very unpleasant, similar to dead animals.
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