A large genus of microscopic fungi found widely in nature that can cause infections in humans and animals, particularly affecting the respiratory system.
Scientific Latin name coined in the 17th century by researchers who observed that the spore-producing structure resembled the aspergillum (holy water sprinkler), so they named the entire fungal genus after this religious object.
This is one of biology's most successful naming stories—Aspergillus is everywhere on Earth, in soil, on bread, in compost heaps, and it's one of the most economically important fungi because it's both helpful (used in making foods and medicines) and dangerous (causes infections). One organism, opposite traits!
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