Scientists Map Ancient Mycorrhizal Fungal Networks Essential for Climate Regulation
By
Ryan Whalen
Summary
Scientists have mapped ancient mycorrhizal fungal networks that form a vast subterranean 'circulatory system' beneath the Earth's surface. These arbuscular fungi grow in branching tree-like structures of tubular cells called hyphae, which pull carbon from the atmosphere and play a crucial role in climate regulation and plant sustenance. The international team's findings, published in Science, estimate the distribution and mass of these networks, which consist of a billion astronomical units' worth of roots, revealing their essential connections for ecosystem health.
Source
bskyScientists Map Ancient Mycorrhizal Fungal Networks Essential for Climate Regulationthedebrief.orgKey quotes
· 3 pulledAncient mycorrhizal fungal networks, consisting of a billion astronomical units' worth of roots, have finally been mapped by scientists.
Mycorrhizal fungi grow in an arbuscular formation, meaning they take on a branching tree-like structure of tubular cells called hyphae, which pull carbon from the atmosphere to aid in climate regulation.
The international team presented their work in a recent paper published in Science, which estimates the distribution and mass of these networks.
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