Nature is full of treasures, whether they are minerals, plants or animals, there is a harmony that is based on both implacable laws but also an obvious complementarity between the species that inhabit forests, lakes, deserts and mountains. Man has managed to extricate himself from the natural environment at the cost of effort and ingenuity, but the creation of societies is quite recent compared to the immense amount of time spent navigating the savannahs and fighting for survival in the midst of other species. For this reason we remain very sensitive to natural beauty. This one undoubtedly reminds us of the life of our ancestors, there is perhaps a form of nostalgia to contemplate a bucolic landscape or any other manifestation of the nature. Our senses are awakened, we are recharged with a vitality that we thought had disappeared because of the hectic life of the cities. As a species, homo sapiens has the luxury of being able to travel through a wide variety of spaces today, thanks to the revolution in transportation such as the airplane. This was probably not the case for our distant ancestors (and not so distant either) who were confined to a region and spent most of their lives in a limited space without being able to contemplate the variety of the world. Let’s take a look today at two types of nature’s creations: trees and mushrooms, and let’s see together how wonderful they are in their own way.
Trees And Fungi, Two Examples Of Natural Intelligence
Trees
Trees are incredibly intelligent and important species in nature. They are one of the oldest living organisms on earth, and they play a crucial role in the environment, forming part of the biosphere, providing shelter, moderating climate and conserving biodiversity.
Trees use a range of sophisticated adaptations to survive their tough environments such as precise energy management and sophisticated water use. They are extremely good at recognizing seasons and responding accordingly. For example, the Angiosperms and Gymnosperms, two varieties of flowering plants, can detect changes in season and form leaves unlike species of plants adapted to a stable climate. Furthermore, certain trees are capable of selective communication with their peers, which allows them to exchange nutrients and protect themselves from stressors such as drought or disease.
In terms of their importance to nature, trees are major carbon sinks, with their foliage and woody structures taking up and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also act as a sink for pollutants from the atmosphere, filtering pollutants from the air and protecting nearby systems from potential harm. Trees also provide shade, preventing the Earth from heating up and protecting the soil from erosion. They also improve water quality, act as wildlife habitats, and provide food sources.
Trees are also highly valued in many cultures, playing an important role in numerous traditions. They are seen as sacred and they often represent something much deeper than simply providing resources.
In conclusion, trees are incredibly intelligent and important species, making an invaluable contribution to the environment in many ways. Their numerous contributions to nature and the many benefits they provide to various cultures are a testament to their immense importance.
Fungi
Fungi are an integral part of the world’s ecological balance. They are essential for the planet’s health and well-being, being responsible for the maintenance of soil, plant nutrition and the breakdown of organic material in the environment. Fungi are incredibly diverse, ranging from yeasts and molds to mushrooms, puffballs and stinkhorns.
In terms of biological balance, fungi have a major role. They have the capability to break down dead organic material into beneficial soil nutrients. As fungi break down dead organic material, the nutrients that are released are taken up by plants and trees. This process helps maintain soil health, as it recycles carbon, nitrogen and other essential minerals. Fungi also assist in the decomposition process by producing organic acids that break down complex organic compounds.
Another important ecological role of fungi is in plant nutrition. Fungal filaments, such as mycorrhizae, form relationships with the roots of plants, which provide the plant with essential nutrients and water. The fungi in turn produce a form of sugar called glomalin, which acts as a type of glue to help hold soil together. This glue is so proficient that it can remain intact for centuries, helping to enrich the soil naturally.
Furthermore, fungi help to maintain the biodiversity of the planet. Fungi interact with many other species in their environment, forming associations with plant roots, bacteria, and even other fungi. This helps to keep the balance of species in the environment, aiding in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.
In conclusion, fungi are an essential part of the earth’s biological balance, providing important functions in terms of soil health, plant nutrition and biodiversity. Without fungi, the world’s ecosystem would not be able to survive. Therefore, it is important to ensure that we do our part to keep the balance of fungi healthy, as this will directly benefit the planet’s health.
In conclusion, it should be noted that nature is the place from which man has emerged. Certainly, he has developed new skills, but he is still sensitive to the environment that has nourished him for thousands of years. Mushrooms and trees are two interesting examples of nature’s prowess. Without them, there simply would not be the life we know on earth. Trees and mushrooms are still essential to human survival today because of all that they allow to create and preserve.
