Explore Science-first Philosophy

STORY

Fungal Underground Alliance

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Sun 22 Feb 2026
Published 3 months ago.
Updated 1 month ago.
Related Stories
LECA: Likely Sexual Reproduction
Unikonts: Single-Motor flagella Reform
Embryophytes: First True Plants
Cenozoic Era: Age of Mammals & Birds
Opisthokonts: True Posterior Flagellum
Pine Needles Evolve
Share :
By 450 million years ago, fungi and plants started a rich dirt alliance. Forests grew because fungi fed them. Plants exchanged sugars for fungi phosphors and minerals.

Fungal Underground Alliance

~450 Million years ago (+/- 10 million)
Arbuscular mycorrhizae (Glomeromycota symbiosis)

Early plants struggled on barren land. Fungi partnered with them. In exchange for sugars, fungi delivered phosphorus and minerals through vast underground networks. This mutualism — mycorrhizae — became one of the most important biological alliances in Earth’s history.

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
Email
Print
This month @ TST
Column Menu
June 2026
»COLUMN ARCHIVE
Column Research….
1. Timeline Story
Secular Spirituality Settles
2. Linked Quote
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
3. Science FAQ »
What is the difference between a spiritual and empirical belief?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
What is secular spirituality?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
How does spirituality relate to public belief?
6. History FAQ!
Is secular spirituality supported in history and science?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
The Material-Spiritual Framework: A Philosophy of Spirituality

Comments

Join the Conversation! Currently logged out.

Leave a Reply

NEW BOOK! NOW AVAILABLE!!

30 Philosophers: A New Look at Timeless Ideas

by Michael Alan Prestwood
The story of the history of our best ideas!
Scroll to Top