Mushrooms don't actually "grow" above ground in the same way that plants do. The part of the mushroom we see is just the fruiting body, a temporary structure that grows from a much larger network of fungal hyphae hidden underground.

Here's why mushrooms produce their fruiting bodies above ground:

* Spore dispersal: The main purpose of the fruiting body is to produce and release spores for reproduction. By growing above ground, the spores have a better chance of being carried by the wind or animals to new locations where they can germinate and grow.

* Access to light: While mushrooms don't need sunlight for photosynthesis, they do need some light to trigger spore production. Growing above ground gives them access to the light they need.

* Protection from predators: Mushrooms are a food source for many animals. Growing above ground can help them avoid being eaten by burrowing animals or other predators.

* Moisture: Mushrooms need a moist environment to grow. While they can absorb moisture from the soil, growing above ground can help them collect dew or rainwater.

In summary, while mushrooms don't grow above ground in the traditional sense, they produce their fruiting bodies above ground for a variety of reasons related to reproduction, protection, and access to resources.