Matthew's Post #2 (Again, Finally!)

In my previous response paper I focused on the idea that it’s important to have
hope. As a basis for this idea I cited the fact that the biomass of all the ants in the world
is much greater than that of humans. Thus, I argued that maybe we shouldn’t concern
ourselves so much with unchecked population growth, but instead with the actions of a
given population. Today I believe this idea more than ever (and now I know why). I’m
currently sitting at the Urban Ecology and Conservation Symposium having just
experienced an amazingly inspirational lecture from my mycological hero Paul Stamets.
For those of you unfamiliar with Paul Stamets, he is the author of the book Mycelium
Running, which is an incredible introduction to the wonders of fungi. For the remainder
of this response (blog) I’d like to share some of the ideas Stamets discussed.
First things first, what on earth do ants have to do with mushrooms? Well, there
are four species on Earth that cultivate fungi. Ants and humans comprise two of the
four species (termites and bark beetles are the other two). So, even though the
combined biomass of ants on Earth is rather ridiculous, they remain an integral part of
our ecosystems precisely because of their intimate connection with fungi. What I (re)-
learned today is that the population of humans can potentially become as ecologically
productive and beneficial as ants if we begin to cultivate fungi in ways that we now
know are possible.

First, a little background about fungi. Fungi have been known to act as a
mothering influence in ecosystems by transferring nutrients from trees in favorable
conditions to trees in less favorable conditions. The idea here is that the fungi will
benefit from an optimally functioning ecosystem as they will have more food. Although
this sounds a bit far out, like maybe the fungi have intelligence, that’s because they do.
Stamets first cited a study in which slime molds were able to learn the quickest way
through a maze. He then mentioned who a similar slime mold was able to redesign the
Tokyo subway system by finding the quickest routes between stations. The way these
slime molds do this is what’s really amazing. The slime molds spread out in a
branching pattern as they search for food. The fungi then sends out nuclei through all
the branches that then respond to the terminal conditions. If there’s food then they’ll
stay, but if not, they will find alternative destinations. Ultimately, through communication
between these different branches, the fungi will reshape itself so that is efficient as
possible.

So, that’s definitely cool, but what does that have to do with humans not messing up
the world? Well, as we realize how amazing fungi really are, we’re now starting to use
fungi in new and incredible ways. For example, we’re starting to use oyster mushrooms
as a method for breaking down hydrocarbons in contaminated sites. Not only do these
mushrooms break down the toxic material, but after they’re finished they die back
and provide food for insects. These insects then provide food for birds who further
complement the process by dispersing seeds. Thus, fungi not only break down toxic
material, but they also recreate ecosystems.

Another way we’re starting to use fungi is by inoculating burlap sacks of wood-
chips with oyster mushrooms and then placing them in runoff swales. The result of this
process is a dramatic reduction of fecal-coliform. Turkey tail mushrooms are also able
to neutralize mercury while other types of fungi are known to live on radioactive waste.
Long story short, if humans begin working with fungi to manage the world around us, we
will be much more successful in surviving over the long haul.