A more or less circular ring of mushrooms appears in your yard, apparently overnight. The circle is several yards in diameter. The mushrooms appear to be producing spores. What is the most likely explanation for this circle of mushrooms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely explanation for a circular ring of mushrooms is that they are all part of the same organism, with the mycelia radiating out from a central point where a spore germinated. This is known as a fairy ring, and can often occur in areas where there is a lot of organic matter in the soil. The mycelia spread outwards, decomposing the organic matter and producing fruiting bodies (the mushrooms) as they go. The circular shape occurs because the mycelia grow outwards in a roughly circular pattern.

A More or Less Circular Ring of Mushrooms Appears in Your