Demystifying fungal systematics: A gateway to fungal literacy and societal/ecological relevance through familiar species

Societal Impact Statement: Fungal systematics can feel overwhelming given the vast species diversity within this kingdom, with numerous subgroups at every taxonomic rank. This often creates a disconnect between the general undertsanding of fungal taxonomy and societal relevance and recognition of fungi. Here we anchor well-known fungi onto the taxonomic tree, using them as signposts to navigate fungal taxonomy. By presenting taxonomic ranks in relation to fungi encountered in daily life, we make the system more relatable and engaging for students, researchers, and the broader public. This approach provides both an evolutionary roadmap and an accessible guide, raising awareness of these essential yet often overlooked life forms. Summary: Fungal systematics can feel difficult to navigate because of the high species diversity and several subgroups in each taxonomic rank. Although classification systems aim to simplify and organize this diversity, the number of subgroups/divisions often presents challenges for students and researchers. This review introduces commonly observed and well-known fungal species, including mushrooms, molds, yeasts, lichens, and fungi used in food production and medicine, as reference points to explore major clades within the fungal tree of life. Our selection spans fungi of ecological, medical, and industrial relevance, offering a tangible reference for understanding where different groups are placed within the fungal kingdom. We highlighted the position of famous fungi on a fungal tree of life, simultaneously highlighting the ecological, industrial, and medical relevance of each clade. This approach links well-known examples to broader patterns in fungal evolution and taxonomy, providing a structured overview of the fungi we have heard of or encountered in our lives. Integrating taxonomy with familiar real-world examples offers a more accessible entry point into fungal biology. This resource is intended for educational and introductory systematic purposes and supports a clearer understanding of fungal diversity and classification. By linking taxonomic groups with commonly encountered fungi, this paper aims to raise awareness of fungi and promote a more integrated understanding of fungal evolution and its significance across biological disciplines.