Speaking to an expert about climate and biodiversity collapse
Nov 15, 2023
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Professor Yvonne Buckley, Co-Chair of the All Island Climate and Biodiversity Research, discusses biodiversity collapse, decline of insect populations, changes to Ireland's landscape, myths and folklore's role in biodiversity, the mushroom internet, and managing fruit trees and restoring woodlands.
Incorporating indigenous knowledge into research and solutions for climate and biodiversity crises is crucial.
The ability of certain migratory birds to navigate using quantum sensors is an intriguing area of research.
The existence and impact of the wood wide web, a fungal network connecting trees, is still being explored in scientific investigations.
Deep dives
The Cultural Transmission of Biodiversity
Myths, folklore, and traditional ecological knowledge contain valuable information about sustainable living and ecological practices. Scientists are increasingly recognizing the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge into research and solutions for climate and biodiversity crises.
The Resilience of Ribwort Plantain
Ribwort plantain is a common plant found worldwide. It has various medicinal uses, such as treating nettle stings and coughs. The plant's ability to defend itself chemically against herbivores and its capacity to adapt to different environments make it fascinating for researchers.
Migratory Birds and Quantum Navigation
Certain migratory birds, like swallows, possess quantum sensors that enable them to navigate across vast distances. This ability has inspired quantum scientists to explore designs for quantum sensors. While the details of how this works remain a mystery, it is a fascinating area of research.
The Wood Wide Web and Fungal Networking
The existence of a fungal network called the wood wide web that connects trees and facilitates communication and resource sharing is still a subject of scientific investigation. While there is evidence of fungi transmitting nutrients between trees, the extent to which they govern forest ecosystems is still being explored.
Ecological communication among plants
Plants communicate with each other through various mechanisms, such as connected fungi and chemical releases. When trees detect their neighbor being attacked by pests, they mount their chemical defenses to protect themselves, even if the neighbor is a different species. This communication occurs above and below ground, highlighting the complexity of plant interactions. Indigenous knowledge and scientific findings align in recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
Restoring forests with critical fungi
In forest restoration efforts, it is important to consider not only the trees but also the soil and fungi present. Using older soil from ancient woodlands or introducing critical fungi along with tree seeds can create a favorable environment for forest regeneration. The presence of these fungi helps form a symbiotic relationship with the growing trees, ensuring their successful establishment. By understanding the importance of these fungal connections, restoration efforts can be more effective in recreating diverse and resilient ecosystems.
Professor Yvonne Buckley is the Professor of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin. She is Co-Chair of the All Island Climate and Biodiversity Research.We sat down for Science week 2023 to chat about biodiversity. Check out sfi.ie for info about science week 2023
