The earth star fungus is classified as a type of "stomach fungi" and is related to puffballs, though it differs in having three layers that allow it to move. The fruiting body is a sac filled with dry spores that either releases spores as the inner layer wears away or forms an opening at the top; when struck by raindrops, spores are pushed out and the sac returns to its original shape. When young, the earth star looks like an onion before the outer layers split open into star-like rays holding the central spore-filled sac.

1. Earth Star Carlee Olsen Contract [4]

2. Classification The earth star fungus is classified as a Gasteromycetes or “stomach fungi”

3. The earth star fungi is related to a puffball. An earth star is different than a puff ball because the earth star has three layers which allow the earth star to move

4. Reproduction The earth star’s fruiting body is a sac filled with dry spores. Some sacs release there spores when the inside layer wears away, and some form an opening at the top of the sac. When a rain drop strikes these sacs, spores are pushed out. After spores are pushed out, the sac returns to its original shape

5. Growth When an earth star is young, it looks like an onion. Then the outer layers split open into the rays of a star. The sac in the middle of the star holds the spores

6. Response The earth star’s rays open when humidity is high to expose the spores, and then they close again in response to drier conditions

7. Organization The earth star has a sac filled with dry spores, wrapped up in a layer which splits open, letting the spores expose