Attributes of an alien world with a larger role for fungi

I would like to explore how to design an alien planet featuring plants and animals but with a much more prominent ecological role for fungi. More fungi, larger fungi, more complex and beautiful fungi.

Fungi are heterotrophs so they still need plant (and animal) matter to feed on.

What type of world would suit them best, while still allowing reasonably bio-diversity and non-fungi sapient animals to develop a civilisation (maybe living in cities comprised of cultivated giant fungi)?

Some ideas I had:

1. A long day/night cycle gives fungi advantages over autotrophs - at least during the night.
2. Plant or animal life which blooms and expands quickly then dies off equally quickly yields a rich source of food for the fungus species.
3. A red dwarf type sun would alter the balance of power between fungi and plants by making photosynthesis less efficient.
4. Fungi are noted for species which are radiation resistant - how can I use this?

posted about 9 years ago

rumguff‭

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