Question

Who am I?
I live on decaying organic matter.

Answer 1

Hint: Any plant or animal substance that returns to the soil by undergoing the decomposition process is considered as the organic matter. Organic matter combines with soil particles into aggregates and increases the water-retaining ability of soil, in addition to supplying nutrients for soil species.

Complete answer:

Fungi are a kingdom of living organisms with their own classification system. They are not animals, plants, or bacteria. Fungi, unlike bacteria, have diverse eukaryotic cells similar to those found in animals and plants. A fungus is a kind of eukaryotic organism that involves microorganisms like yeasts and moulds, as well as the more well-known mushrooms.

The availability of chitin in the cell walls of fungi distinguishes them from plants, bacteria, and certain protists. Fungi, like mammals, are heterotrophs, meaning they get their food by swallowing dissolved molecules, which they do by secreting digestive enzymes into their surroundings. 

Fungi may not have the ability to photosynthesize. However, for spores (a few of which are flagellated), which can fly through the air or water, they depend on growth to get around. In biological environments, fungi are the primary decomposers. Fungi, in combination with bacteria, break down organic matter and release carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus into the soil and atmosphere. Since Fungi obtain nutrients from dead, organic matter, they are called saprophytes. 

Therefore, we can conclude that fungi live on decaying organic matter.

Note: Fungi are used as food in the form of mushrooms, as well as agents of fermentation in the manufacture of bread, cheeses, alcoholic drinks, and a variety of other foods. Antibiotics and anticoagulants are examples of secondary metabolites of fungi that are used in medicine.