Life Cycle of a Tree - The Wood Wide Web

Information sheet on the Wood Wide Web and mycorrhizal fungi networks Illustrated sheet showing elements of the Wood Wide Web
Worksheet filling in the elements of the Wood Wide Web

Learning Objectives:
To be aware that there are complex life systems functioning below the soil
To understand that plants and fungi often function in a cooperative way
To encourage a sense of wonder at the amazing things in nature and how there may still be many more things to discover

Scientists have only relatively recently discovered how trees in forests have an essential partner under the ground. A handful of soil can contain kilometres of mycorrhizal fungi. This beneficial fungi (as opposed to the varieties that attack plants) exchange minerals for carbohydrates, aid communication between trees and can even help find water.
One of the reasons that ancient woodlands are so important is that the fungi under the ground will have had hundreds, if not thousands, of years to establish. Seedlings, especially those near a mother tree, have greater chance of survival and when danger threatens in the form of pests or disease the fungi can warn other trees in the wood to prepare their defences. New trees planted in ground without this heritage in the soil may find it much more difficult to establish and survive. In trying to tackle climate change, this can make a huge difference.
Trees can host many types of fungi and fungi can connect many different trees, even different species. In a book published in association with Kew Gardens, it states that 90% of all plants need this symbiotic connection in order to live.
This resource is the fourth in a series of five about the life cycle of a tree. The others are: • Germination
• Photosynthesis
• Reproduction
• Structure of a Tree

It is available as a bundle.

Keywords: Life cycle, trees, fungi, decomposition, science, minerals, plants,

This resource is available as a pdf for ease of download and is in black and white for ease of reproduction