Episode 1: How the ‘wood wide web’ helps trees communicate
Trees are connected to each other by a huge underground network of fungi dubbed the “wood wide web.”
Out of sight, microscopic fungal filaments pervade the soil like a subterranean internet, linking plants and trees to each other. These mycorrhizal fungi networks have been around for more than 400 million years. And according to ecologist Thomas Crowther, they act as a type of "brain of the forest" that works to keep the entire ecosystem healthy.
Trees can use this system to exchange water, nitrogen, carbon and other nutrients, or even get advance warning of threats. The network is crucial for the survival of forests. But climate change is disrupting connectivity.
Interviewee featured in this episode:
Thomas Crowther, ecologist and professor at ETH Zurich
On the Green Fence is produced by DW studios in Bonn, Germany.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:43 Thomas Crowther’s map of the wood wide web
02:19 Why is Thomas fascinated with trees?
03:56 When did he first learn of the wood wide web?
05:39 What proof is there that it exists?
06:34 Mapping the worldwide network of forests
08:32 Why is this network so important for trees?
10:06 Do trees talk?
11:50 How have humans impacted the wood wide web?
12:53 Two types of mycorrhizal fungi
14:44 How can we protect the wood wide web?
17:37 What happens to monoculture forests that lose diversity?
20:08 Are we underestimating the power of natural forests?
21:26 Could this ecosystem evolve into something more sophisticated?
23:21 Is there more to learn about trees?
24:56 Are trees aware of our presence?
26:01 Neil’s takeaways
27 май 2024
