What type of organisms are fungi classified as?

Fungi are classified as plant-like microorganisms due to their ability to produce cell walls made of chitin, which is distinct from the cellulose found in true plants. Unlike animals, fungi do not ingest food; instead, they absorb nutrients from their environment, resembling plants in their growth patterns and stationary nature. They can be unicellular, such as yeasts, or multicellular, like molds and mushrooms.

It's important to recognize that fungi are separate from bacteria, viruses, and animal-like organisms in terms of their cellular structure and metabolic processes, further justifying their classification alongside plants in a broader biological context. This classification helps in understanding their role in ecosystems, particularly in nutrient cycling and decomposition.