Science Friday ‘Underground Atlas’ Shows How Vulnerable Fungal Networks Are
Aug 11, 2025
Adriana Corrales and Michael Van Nuland, scientists from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, dive into the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi. They highlight the critical, yet overlooked, role these underground networks play in supporting biodiversity and soil health. The conversation covers the urgent need for conservation efforts as these networks face threats from climate change. They emphasize fostering emotional connections with fungi to boost awareness and appreciation for their beauty and ecological importance.
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Fungi Are Foundation Of Terrestrial Life
- Mycorrhizal fungi form obligatory partnerships with most plants and enabled terrestrial colonization.
- They underpin ecosystems by enabling plant nutrition, soil stability, and carbon cycling.
Fungal Networks Act Like A Circulatory System
- Fungal hyphal networks weave through soil like veins and arteries.
- They transport nutrients and carbon across vast subterranean distances supporting plants.
Hotspots Found Outside The Amazon
- SPUN's map found fungal network hotspots in tropical savannahs and humid grasslands rather than the Amazon.
- These unexpected locations reshape conservation priorities for subterranean biodiversity.