The term used for the study of fungi is "mycology." Mycology involves the exploration of various types of fungi, including yeast, molds, and mushrooms. This field is essential for understanding the ecological roles fungi play, such as decomposers that break down organic matter and recycle nutrients in ecosystems. Additionally, mycology encompasses the study of beneficial fungi used in food production, medicine, and biotechnology, such as Penicillium for antibiotic development and edible mushrooms for culinary purposes. Conversely, some fungi can be pathogenic to plants, animals, or humans, making mycology crucial for agriculture, public health, and environmental management.