Question

Problem ( Foraging in the Forest)

Consider these rules when determining whether a mushroom is poisonous:

1. 1.

   If a mushroom is poisonous, then it is orange.

2. 2.

   If a mushroom is poisonous, then it has gills.

3. 3.

   If a mushroom is not poisonous, then it has pores.

4. 4.

   If a mushroom is not poisonous, then it is found growing from the trunk of a living hardwood tree.

5. 5.

   If a mushroom is bioluminescent (glows in the dark), then it is poisonous.

In the early evening you are out with two friends foraging for food in a forest. Your group stumbles upon a few different mushrooms just as the sun begins to set, so each of you decides to gather a different type and then determine if any are safe to eat:

1. 1.

   Mushroom A was gathered from the trunk of a living hardwood tree. It has gills and is orange in colour.

2. 2.

   Mushroom B was also gathered from the trunk of a living hardwood tree. It has pores, but it is not clear whether it is some dark shade of orange or brown in colour. Now that the sun has set, you notice it emits a faint glowing light.

3. 3.

   Mushroom C was yet again also gathered from the trunk of a living hardwood tree. It has pores and is dark brown in colour. You are sure it is not bioluminescent.

Are any of these mushrooms gauranteed to be safe to eat? Justify your answer. Note: please be very careful if ever foraging for mushrooms in real life and never eat anything you are not 100% certain is safe.

Answer 1