Yes, as this photograph illustrates.

Moreover, it is also true that companies and civilizations do the same thing. Mushrooms have been providing a clear message that growth has limits, but we tend not to listen to advice from any source, least of all from fungi.

Sometimes it happens.

This is similar to how Apple managed to carefully pick up almost the whole online music business at once, making the Ipod supreme.

Had they been less than graceful it never would have worked.

Yes, when conditions call for it.

The bark has areas that are easier to attack and the mushrooms tend to sprout there.

Sometimes you want to differentiate the product - other times it's best to go with the flow.

Seems to be true.

Either the nibbling unleashed something bad tasting, or the nibbler was polite and didn't eat the whole mushroom.

Either way, the mushroom has an elegant approach.

Yes.

Even if you don't fall over you may find you break apart from too much growth.

Wang Computer grew 10% per year for 10 years straight. Seen any Wang computers lately?

Here is the proof.

And anyone who spends anytime in the world of business has run into slugs. And corporate slugs are not as well adapted or attractive as the ones you find on mushrooms.

Clearly. Life is rarely that simplistic.

Apple computer spawned True-type, which is used much more by Windows users.

Yes, clearly, startup is a difficult phase for mushrooms too.

Startup is a particular phase of business growth. It is fatal not to foresee the energy and commitment involved in startup.

On the other hand, it is also a bad idea not to realize when the startup phase is over and it's time to enter another phase. People love the energy of startup, but nobody can sustain that energy forever.

In some cases, what works for the guy next door will work for you. After all, there is a convenience store on almost every block in some neighborhoods - but not a gourmet restaurant.

Yes, and not just the ones that danced in the Disney cartoon. The mushroom is a very workable and scalable solution to life.

Companies also come in all sizes, although smaller companies are rarely perceived as cute.

Yes, there are many cases of mushrooms picking a difficult home.

Suppose your business is selling a handy tool for computer users — and then that capability is included in the next operating system. Your market share just got chopped out.

Always best to pick an area where you won't run into a rock.

Here is another case of a mushroom picking a difficult home, but making it work after a fashion.