Soil fungi drive global forest diversity gradient

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Soil fungi may be influencing forest diversity on a global scale. A paper published in Nature Communications Biology contributes to the growing appreciation for the outsize role that microbes play in everything from human digestion to crop yields.

Soil Fungi’s Role in Global Forest Diversity

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Published on: October 13, 2022 Description: A forest is a place where thousands of different organisms meet, creating the most complex network of connections that can exist ...

The life of the forest. Fungi

Hey there, everyone! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of soil fungi and their surprising influence on global forest diversity. As a science teacher, I’m thrilled to share this remarkable discovery with you.

Soil Fungi’s Influence on Global Forest Diversity

Microbes, including fungi, play a crucial role in various aspects of our planet’s ecosystems. From aiding in human digestion to boosting crop yields, these tiny organisms have a significant impact on our lives. And now, research has revealed that soil fungi, in particular, are shaping forest diversity on a global scale.

The Forest Diversity Gradient

Forests across the globe exhibit a distinct pattern: tropical forests near the equator are bursting with biodiversity, while forests closer to the poles host fewer plant species. Scientists have long attributed this gradient to soil pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi, which can limit the success of juvenile trees growing near their parent trees. This effect is more pronounced in warm, wet climates, contributing to the higher diversity in tropical forests.

Introducing Mycorrhizal Fungi

But here’s where things get interesting! A new study led by Camille Delavaux from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, has uncovered a twist in this story. Mycorrhizal fungi, a type of soil fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, appear to be counteracting the effects of harmful soil pathogens, thereby influencing global patterns of forest diversity.

Ectomycorrhizal vs. Arbuscular Fungi

There are two major classes of mycorrhizal fungi: ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal. Both can improve juvenile tree survival, but ectomycorrhizal fungi seem to have a stronger impact. These fungi form a protective sheath around plant roots, shielding them from pathogens.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are more common at higher latitudes and tend to be specialists, supporting only a single tree species. On the other hand, arbuscular fungi are more prevalent near the equator and are less likely to specialize, which encourages different tree species to grow nearby.

Fungi’s Influence on Forest Diversity

The study found initial evidence suggesting that arbuscular fungi promote diversity, while ectomycorrhizal fungi reduce diversity. This indicates that these mechanisms could play a role in driving global patterns of tree species biodiversity.

Combining these findings with our existing understanding of these fungi helps explain the observed patterns of forest tree diversity associated with latitude. It’s exciting to discover that global biodiversity patterns may not only result from antagonistic relationships between trees and pathogens but also from symbiotic relationships with soil fungi.

The Importance of Collaboration

This groundbreaking research was made possible thanks to the impressive global network of forest plots administered by the Smithsonian Institution’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) Network. Researchers at these sites diligently inventory trees every five years, collecting valuable data that contributes to our understanding of forest ecosystems.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is proud to be part of this network, with two unique 6.25-hectare forest plots on its campus. These plots include forest edges and contain a mix of native and exotic species, resulting in exceptional species diversity.

Future Research Directions

The discovery of soil fungi’s role in global forest structure and diversity opens up new avenues for research. Scientists are eager to explore further and gain a deeper understanding of how microbes drive global biodiversity patterns.

Future studies will leverage existing tree census data and generate additional microbial genetic sequencing data to establish a direct link between the microbiome and plant community structure. This ongoing research promises to shed more light on the intricate relationships between soil fungi and forest diversity.

So, there you have it! Soil fungi are not just tiny organisms living in the soil; they are powerful players shaping the diversity of forests worldwide. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, we can’t help but be amazed by the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

FAQ’s

1. What is the role of soil fungi in global forest diversity?

Soil fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, play a crucial role in shaping global forest diversity. They influence the survival of juvenile trees by counteracting the negative effects of soil pathogens, thereby influencing global patterns of forest diversity.

2. How do mycorrhizal fungi affect juvenile tree survival?

Mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, providing them with essential nutrients and water while receiving carbohydrates from the host plant. This symbiotic relationship helps juvenile trees survive and thrive in challenging environments, where soil pathogens can be detrimental.

3. What are ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and how do they differ?

Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a protective sheath around plant roots, shielding them from pathogens. They are more common at higher latitudes and tend to be specialists, supporting only a single tree species. On the other hand, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are more prevalent near the equator and are less likely to specialize, which encourages different tree species to grow nearby.

4. How does the presence of mycorrhizal fungi influence forest diversity?

The study suggests that arbuscular fungi promote diversity, while ectomycorrhizal fungi reduce diversity. This indicates that these mechanisms could play a role in driving global patterns of tree species biodiversity.

5. What are the future directions for research in this area?

Future research will focus on establishing a direct link between the microbiome and plant community structure by leveraging existing tree census data and generating additional microbial genetic sequencing data. This ongoing research promises to shed more light on the intricate relationships between soil fungi and forest diversity.

Links to additional Resources:

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-021-02459-5 2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210722113612.htm 3. https://phys.org/news/2021-07-soil-fungi-global-gradient-forest.html.