Sordariomycetes is a diverse class of fungi within the phylum Ascomycota, characterized primarily by producing sexual spores in specialized, flask-shaped structures called perithecia. Members of this class are mostly filamentous and saprobic, meaning they decompose dead organic matter, but some are plant pathogens or endophytes. They exhibit a wide range of ecological roles, including nutrient cycling in soils and symbiotic relationships with plants. Many Sordariomycetes are important in biotechnology and medicine, producing enzymes, antibiotics, or other secondary metabolites. Common examples include Neurospora, used in genetic studies, and Fusarium, a significant plant pathogen. Overall, Sordariomycetes are ecologically versatile fungi with both scientific and economic importance.