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Article: The fungus among us: tiny but ubiquitous, mycorrhizal fungi form vital connections underground.(Science Essay)
- Article from:
- Alternatives Journal
- Article date:
- November 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Alternatives, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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THE MI'KMAQ have a story about a forest, supported by the roots that are intertwined as if holding hands. I first heard this image described by a story teller who used it as a metaphor for cultural exchange through stories. Sharing stories forms connections between individuals of different cultures and intertwines their cultural roots.
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I was immediately struck by the image and the metaphor, and now, after learning more about soil, I have found their scientific parallel. I have come to think of a forest as a network of interconnected roots linked by fungi, passing nutrients between individuals. Just as a forest is more than trees, ...