I found this on a fallen log, maybe a bracket fungus?

[jay_sci12]

Where I found it:
On a fallen log in a park.

Description:
It’s growing out from the side like a shelf. Hard and flat.

My guess:
Maybe a bracket fungus?

Questions:
How does it effect the tree? Why do some fungi grow on trees but others elsewhere.=?

[maria_014]

Wow thats cool. I’ve never seen a fungi shaped like that.

[alex_bio]

I recently learned that fungi like this often grow outward from wood and help break it down over time. Hope this helps