Language
Country/Area
No result found
The ancient legend of mycorrhizae: How did this relationship help plants conquer land?
The symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi, called mycorrhizae, has evolved together over the long history of Earth and helped plants successfully conquer land. Since the emergence of ancient plants, mycorrhizae have quietly played a key role in enabling plants to efficiently use water and nutrients in the soil. This mysterious relationship not only provides plants with a chance to survive, it also changes the entire ecosystem.
Mycorrhiza refers to the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots, which is often considered to be mutually beneficial.
Research shows that the formation of mycorrhizae is very important for the success of plants on land. The collaboration between roots and fungi allows the plant to absorb more water and minerals, especially phosphorus. In this process, plants provide organic matter produced by photosynthesis, forming the nutrient supply needed by fungi. Scientists say this communication allows plants to grow more luxuriantly and survive in poor soils.
Evolution and ancient evidence of mycorrhizae
Archaeological and genetic studies suggest that mycorrhizae may have emerged at the same time as plants became terrestrial. Fossils from four million years ago show that early land plants may have already formed a symbiotic relationship with fungi. This shows that the emergence of mycorrhizae is one of the key factors for plants to adapt to survival on land.
All land plants share a common ancestor, demonstrating the universality of mycorrhizal symbiosis.
According to research, about 70% of plant species have the ability to form symbiosis with endomycorrhizal fungi (such as arbuscular fungi). These fungi can penetrate deep into plant cells and form complex tree-like structures, significantly increasing the area for nutrient and water absorption. In addition, mycorrhizae have also evolved independently in different forms of plants, such as ectomycorrhizae and various specialized forms of mycorrhizae.
Mycorrhizal diversity and its impact on ecosystems
The diversity of mycorrhizae is amazing, from ectomycorrhizae to endomycorrhizae, various modes support the survival of plants. In addition to helping plants absorb water and minerals, these fungi can also increase the plant's resistance to environmental stress. For example, when nitrogen resources in the soil are scarce, researchers have found that certain mycorrhizae selectively "store" nitrogen, thereby affecting the nutrient absorption of surrounding plants.
The presence of mycorrhiza not only improves the growth ability of plants, but also regulates the competition among plant populations in the ecosystem.
Especially in the Arctic, ectomycorrhizae play a vital role in the growth of woody plants. These symbiotic fungi not only help plants absorb nutrients, but also guide the succession order of plants during vegetation growth, promoting the stability of the ecosystem. The astonishing fact is that the diversity of these fungi exceeds that of 80% of the major plant groups with which they form symbiotic relationships.
Progress of Experiments and Research
Scientists have conducted numerous experiments to uncover the mechanisms of communication between mycorrhizae and plants. Among them, the interaction of chemical signals plays an important role. Certain hormones released by plants can induce the germination of fungal spores, thereby initiating their growth and reproduction. This process suggests that plants and fungi need to go through a series of chemical communications before they can cooperate effectively.
Plant hormones released from the roots stimulate the growth of fungi, further promoting the symbiotic development of both parties.
This series of studies not only shows the importance of mycorrhizae, but also provides a theoretical basis for the sustainable use of agricultural resources in the future. By improving our understanding of mycorrhizae, agricultural production can achieve higher yields without harming the ecological environment.
Conclusion: Future Outlook
The existence of mycorrhiza plays an indispensable role in the entire plant kingdom, providing strong support for the growth and development of plants. Research on mycorrhizae is still ongoing, hoping to reveal more unknown secrets. This amazing partnership in nature gets us thinking: How can these tiny organisms continue to have such an outsized impact on future agricultural and ecological environments?
