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97. How Smart Is a Forest?

People I (Mostly) Admire

CHAPTER

The Fungal Connection: Trees and Their Symbionts

This chapter explores the fascinating symbiotic relationship between pine seedlings and mycorrhizal fungi, revealing how these fungi enhance nutrient uptake in exchange for sugars. It discusses innovative experiments demonstrating carbon transfer between trees through underground networks, challenging traditional notions of tree competition. The dialogue emphasizes the ecological importance of these relationships for forest management and the complexities of influencing public policy based on scientific findings.

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