Hidden in the soil, the glomeromycota fungi seek out and fuse with the roots of plants, to engage in a symbiosis that sustains the worlds forests.

The mysterious origin of the fungal lineage generated a diversity of fungal protozoa, which would give rise to the earliest true fungi.

The story of fungal evolution is shrouded in mystery, but what little evidence there is, suggests an incredibly long history that fundamentally influences all life on Earth.

The fungal organism engages with its community and environment in countless ways; without the fungi, much of life on Earth would not be possible.

Among all the branches on the tree of life, the fungi have perhaps the most complex, diverse, and exotic means of reproducing, both sexually and asexually.

Fungi sense the world with a variety of cellular and chemical structures, giving them a unique perspective of reality.

The fungal lifestyle is built upon the diverse array of chemicals they can produce to engage in symbioses with other organisms, to break down detritus food, to parasitize other organisms, and to defend themselves from various threats.

Fungi do not have mouths to eat their food, nor do they have roots like plants. There's the mystery: how exactly do fungi acquire the nutrients they need to stay alive?

Welcome to the world of fungi! We will begin our exploration of this exotic branch on the tree of life, with fungal development & physiology.

Plants are fundamental to human existence. Without them, we would not, and could not, exist. This episode will explore the deep relationship between humans & the vegetable world.