An international team of scientists from Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Panama and several other nations explored how underground fungi relate to forest biodiversity. The study appeared in Communications Biology, a respected scientific journal.
From tropical regions to boreal zones, networks of fungi known as mycorrhizae play a direct role in determining which tree species can thrive in a given area and in what numbers, according to experts involved in the research.
Across forests, many plants rely on mycorrhizal fungi to extend their root systems. These fungi supply trees with essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, among others, while receiving carbon in the form of sugars and lipids in return for energy.
The researchers employed mathematical modeling alongside extensive tree surveys to measure how different kinds of mycorrhizal fungi influence overall biodiversity. Mycorrhizae fall into two principal families: arbuscular mycorrhizae AM and ectomycorrhizae EM. Findings indicate that AM fungi can support nearly every tree species found in proximity.
By contrast, EM fungi tend to be more selective, aiding only specific tree types and leaving unsuitable species behind. In effect, EMs encourage the formation of localized communities consisting of trees of the same species in a given area. Ectomycorrhizae also appear to offer protective benefits to friendly plant species by helping to reduce disease spread.
Exposure to fungal networks could significantly boost species richness within a forest. For instance, a Canadian boreal forest block roughly the size of 45 football fields, where fungal networks are relatively underdeveloped, typically supports fewer than ten species. In a tropical forest of the same size, native biodiversity can exceed a hundred species with ease.
In addition, the research hints at surprising environmental applications. The study suggests that certain fungal communities may contribute to resilience against ecological stressors and could be part of broader strategies to maintain forest health in varied climates across Canada and the United States. These conclusions align with broader trends in forest mycology and ecology, as reported by the publishing journal.