Fungi form extensive networks of filaments called mycelium, connecting multiple subterranean organisms. Through these networks, various plant species can exchange nutrients and chemical signals, creating what some scientists call the 'internet of nature'. For example, in coniferous forests, trees transfer carbon and water to younger plants via mycorrhizal fungi, aiding their survival. This communication allows plants to alert each other about pests and diseases, activating defenses in neighboring species. Recent research suggests that these mycelium networks can also store carbon, mitigating climate change. However, mycorrhizal fungi remain an enigma: many species have not been classified, and their role in forest resilience is key to addressing current ecological challenges.
Source: Science Daily
