Ecologist Justin Stewart is working on mapping the intricate network of fungi that connects plants across the Earth. These fungi, often called the “Wood Wide Web,” play a crucial role in helping plants communicate and share nutrients. This underground network is vital for the health of ecosystems, as it supports plant growth and resilience. Understanding this network can help scientists protect and restore environments, especially as climate change and human activities threaten natural habitats. Stewart’s research highlights the importance of fungi in maintaining the balance of nature and could lead to new ways of conserving our planet’s biodiversity.
QUESTION: How might understanding the role of fungi in ecosystems change the way we approach environmental conservation in the future?
How to map quadrillions of miles of underground fungi
