The Chonkerton

Beneath our feet lies a fungal superhighway stretching 68 quadrillion miles

science

According to ScienceDaily, scientists have created the first comprehensive map of Earth's fungal networks—vast underground webs stretching an estimated 110 quadrillion kilometers beneath the soil. These mycorrhizal networks connect plant roots, helping them exchange water, nutrients, and information. The research reveals that fungi move roughly 4 billion tons of carbon dioxide into soils annually, making them critical to climate regulation and carbon storage. The scale is staggering: these hidden highways support most terrestrial plant life and have likely sustained Earth's ecosystems for millions of years. The discovery underscores how much remains to be learned about the complex systems beneath our feet.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260614011845.htm

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