With about 1.5 million species estimated to exist worldwide, members of the kingdom Fungi represent one of the largest biodiversity resources of our planet, fulfilling crucial ecological roles especially in terrestrial ecosystems. Fungi are also one of the most diverse groups or organisms in terms of taxonomy, morphology and life cycles. All of these aspects are covered in these two Volumes.

A well-structured menu facilitates easy access to all sequences and images at the click of a button. These interactive DVD will be indispensible teaching tools for university classes as well as adult education classes, high schools, natural history societies and other groups of people interested in the exciting and mysterious world of the fungi.

Volume One - LOWER FUNGI AND FUNGUS-LIKE ORGANISMS
This Volume shows representative examples of the 'Lower Fungi' (Chytridio- and Zygomycota). Also included are several intriguing groups of organisms such as slime molds, Oomycota and plasmodiophorids which are not taxonomically related to the fungi but are nonetheless widely studied by mycologists.

This interactive DVD contains about 160 film scenes illustrating the structure, development and reproduction of lower fungi and fungus-like organisms. The video clips are supplemented with stills which show organization forms as well as plant disease symptoms caused by pathogenic fungi. The film sequences include spoken narrative describing the activity on the screen. The video clips, painstakingly prepared and including many spectacular time-lapse sequences, demonstrate the timeless beauty and fascination of these organisms. The contents of Mycology Volume 1 have been extensively rearranged following a modern taxonomic framework.

Volume Two - HIGHER FUNGI
This interactive DVD is a continuation of the MYCOLOGY Volume 1 on lower fungi and shows typical examples of the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota both in video clips (summarized in 179 chapters) and approximately 270 slides. Both classes of fungi are described generally by their characteristic properties. The organisms are presented according to taxonomic principles, followed by a detailed description of the individual species, its development and reproduction.

Volume 2 includes typical representatives of the two Divisons of "Higher Fungi" - the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Both are very large groups with many examples of fungi of economic significance, e.g., plant and animal pathogens, mycorrhizal symbionts, agents of decay and industrial fermentations, sources of food and as subjects for scientific research. The video clips include many spectacular time-lapse sequences, e.g., fungal growth and spore puffing. The contents of Mycology Volume 1 and Mycology Volume 2 have been extensively rearranged following a modern taxonomic framework.