Fires are a natural, important part of many system’s ecology, but what we are seeing today in Brazil’s Amazon would not be occurring if we weren’t here. One may argue that us humans are a part of nature, and that the Amazon will bounce back, but many scientists view these wide ranging, destructive disturbances as an absolute ecological ultimatum.
Read moreMushroom coloration relative to temperature; light-colored fungi predicted to rise as global temperatures increase
An ectomycorrhizal Amanita novinupta. Photo by Alan Rockefeller.
From the initial fruiting to proper spore development, the majority of a mushroom’s sexual development are temperature dependent. New research suggests that darker colored mushrooms are more abundant in colder environments. Darker pigments capture more thermal energy from the sun, helping mushrooms reach optimal temperatures. With global temperatures continuing to rise, it is predicted that selection will favor lighter colored individuals as these pigments are energetically costly to synthesize.
Read moreElevated CO2 and its ecological and evolutionary influence
Extra cellular hyphae traveling in-between plant root cells. Penetrated cell with a formed arbuscule (top right).
Learn how scientists use research to make predictions for how future ecosystems will function. Find out how present-day forests may soon resemble a more ancient past.
Read moreImplications of mycorrhizae; Increased CO2 levels enhance mineral weathering
Three AMF hosts, Ginkgo biloba, Sequoia sempervirens and Magnolia grandiflora followed by two ECM hosts, Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula. (f) AMF structures. (g) ECM rootlets. Quirk et al. 2014.
A new negative interaction uncovered in the wake of increased CO2 emissions.
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