Fungi are not always called saprophytes. While it's true that many fungi are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter, there are also other modes of nutrition that fungi use.

Here's a breakdown:

* Saprotrophic fungi: These fungi are decomposers. They break down dead plants and animals, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem. Examples include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.

* Parasitic fungi: These fungi live on and obtain nutrients from living organisms, harming their host. Examples include athlete's foot fungus and rust fungi.

* Mutualistic fungi: These fungi have a mutually beneficial relationship with other organisms. Examples include mycorrhizal fungi, which form partnerships with plant roots, and lichen, which is a symbiosis between a fungus and algae.

Therefore, while the term "saprophyte" is sometimes used to describe fungi, it's more accurate to say that fungi are diverse in their nutrition, with many being saprotrophic.