Why are these pipes curved? Why isn’t the box situated such that the pipes could have been straight? I’m sure there is a reason. I just don’t know what it is.

Why are these pipes curved? Why isn’t the box situated such that the pipes could have been straight? I’m sure there is a reason. I just don’t know what it is.
I have no idea what this is. I found it underneath the Burr Oak, on top of some mulch. Maybe it’s a fungus or maybe it’s something my dog threw up.
Update: My good friend Catherine let me know that there really is a Dog Vomit Mold: Fuligo septica. I think that is just hilarious.
I have no idea what lives here.