Future Ecologies Future Ecologies presents: Nature's Genius
Mar 18, 2025
Join evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers, known for her insights on mycorrhizal fungi, and Merlin Sheldrake, author of "Entangled Life," as they delve into the fascinating underground world of fungi. Discover how these secretive organisms form complex networks that sustain ecosystems through intricate nutrient exchanges. They discuss fungi's problem-solving abilities and decision-making processes, highlighting their intelligence and vital roles in nature. The conversation encourages a deeper appreciation for the hidden life beneath our feet and the urgent need for its conservation.
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Fungi's Crucial Underground Networks
- Mycorrhizal fungi form vast underground networks connecting plants, exchanging nutrients and messages.
- These networks are crucial for life on Earth, acting like a circulatory system for planetary ecology.
Fungal Networks Show Intelligence
- Fungal networks process information and make rapid, complex flow decisions inside their tubes.
- These networks show signs of deliberate behavior despite lacking a brain, hinting at a unique intelligence.
Rethinking Intelligence in Nature
- Intelligence is no longer seen as exclusively human; all organisms solve problems uniquely.
- This broadens scientific understanding, inviting us to ask "what's it like to be you?" for other beings.
