DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mushrooms are heterotrophs (i.e., they cannot perform photosynthesis). Consequently, they feed on organic matter. Chemical energy and useful materials are obtained from the digestion of substrates. Fungi are versatile in producing lytic enzymes active on many types of chemical bonds.

Detailed explanation-2: -Heterotrophs are known as consumers because they consume producers or other consumers. Dogs, birds, fish, and humans are all examples of heterotrophs. Heterotrophs occupy the second and third levels in a food chain, a sequence of organisms that provide energy and nutrients for other organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mushrooms that belong to the kingdom of Fungi lack chlorophyll so they can not make their own food. They depend upon dead and decaying matter for nutrition hence, they are called heterotrophs and not autotrophs.