The largest known living organism on Earth is a fungal network of mycelium in Oregon's Malheur National Forest, commonly referred to as the "Humongous Fungus." This vast network, primarily of the species Armillaria ostoyae, spans over 2,385 acres (965 hectares) and is estimated to be thousands of years old. It primarily grows underground, connecting trees and plants while extracting nutrients from them. The organism can influence the ecosystem, aiding in the recycling of nutrients and maintaining the health of forests, showcasing the incredible scale and complexity of life forms beyond just animals and plants.