The Secret Social Network of Plants: How Fungi Shaped Land

Jordan Keane in Science & Nature July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unearthing the hidden partnerships that allowed plants to conquer Earth, and what it means for our future."

Imagine a world without plants. Impossible? Nearly. Plants form the very foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, providing the air we breathe and the food we eat. But life wasn't always green. The story of how plants transitioned from aquatic algae to colonizers of dry land is a tale of remarkable adaptation and, crucially, partnership.

For years, scientists believed that Glomeromycotina fungi were the unsung heroes of this plant takeover, forming symbiotic relationships that helped early plants absorb nutrients and water. However, recent discoveries have revealed a more complex picture, highlighting the significant role of another group of fungi: Mucoromycotina.

This article dives into the groundbreaking research exploring the evolutionary dynamics of these early mycorrhizal symbioses – the mutually beneficial relationships between plants and fungi – and how they paved the way for the incredible diversity of plant life we see today. Get ready to unearth the secrets of a hidden partnership that reshaped the planet.

The Fungal Pioneers: Unveiling the Role of Mucoromycotina

Intertwined plant roots and glowing fungal networks symbolizing plant-fungi partnership.

The prevailing theory long pointed to Glomeromycotina as the primary fungal partner that facilitated plant colonization of land. However, evidence has been mounting that Mucoromycotina fungi also formed mycorrhiza-like associations with several early-diverging lineages of land plants, such as liverworts and hornworts. But the question remained, which fungi played a more critical role in the initial stages of terrestrialization?

To investigate this, researchers compiled a vast database of plant species and their mycorrhizal associations, using molecular methods to identify the specific fungi involved. By analyzing the evolutionary relationships between these plants and fungi, and applying a Bayesian approach to model state transition dynamics, the scientists were able to reconstruct the most likely scenarios for the evolution of these symbiotic relationships.

The study revealed some fascinating insights:

Mucoromycotina as First Recruits: The recruitment of Mucoromycotina fungi was the most supported transition from a non-mycorrhizal state. This suggests that these fungi may have been the initial pioneers in partnering with early land plants.
Promiscuous Partnerships: Transitions between different combinations of Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycotina occurred frequently, indicating a period of experimentation and flexibility in these early symbiotic relationships.
A Complex Web of Associations: The study also found similar promiscuity among combinations that include either or both of Glomeromycotina and Ascomycota, with a nearly fixed association with Basidiomycota.

These findings paint a compelling picture of early land plant evolution, with Mucoromycotina playing a far more prominent role than previously thought. It appears that these fungi were instrumental in helping plants adapt to the harsh terrestrial environment, providing essential nutrients and water in exchange for carbohydrates.

What This Means for Today

This research not only rewrites our understanding of plant evolution but also has implications for how we approach conservation and agriculture today. By understanding the specific roles that different fungi play in plant health and nutrient uptake, we can develop more sustainable agricultural practices that promote beneficial symbiotic relationships.

For example, targeting efforts to promote Mucoromycotina in specific environments might be beneficial for certain crops or restoration projects, particularly in areas with poor soil quality. Further research is needed to fully understand the specific mechanisms of these symbioses and how they can be harnessed for practical applications.

The story of plant evolution is a story of partnership, and by appreciating the crucial role of fungi in this story, we can gain valuable insights into creating a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1038/s41598-018-28920-x, Alternate LINK

Title: Evolutionary Dynamics Of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis In Land Plant Diversification

Subject: Multidisciplinary

Journal: Scientific Reports

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Frida A. A. Feijen, Rutger A. Vos, Jorinde Nuytinck, Vincent S. F. T. Merckx

Published: 2018-07-16

Everything You Need To Know

What was the key to plants moving from water to land?

The transition of plants from aquatic environments to land required significant adaptations. The formation of symbiotic relationships, particularly with fungi, was crucial. These fungi, specifically Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycotina, helped early plants absorb nutrients and water from the soil, which was essential for their survival and growth on land. This partnership enabled plants to colonize previously uninhabitable environments, leading to the development of terrestrial ecosystems.

What are Mycorrhizal symbioses, and why were they important for early plants?

Mycorrhizal symbioses are mutually beneficial relationships between plants and fungi. In the context of early land colonization, these relationships were critical. The fungi, such as Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycotina, connected with the plant roots, providing essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, and water. In return, the fungi received carbohydrates produced by the plants through photosynthesis. This exchange allowed both partners to thrive, fostering the growth and spread of plants across the land and fundamentally changing the planet.

Why is the role of Mucoromycotina so significant?

Mucoromycotina's role is significant because it's suggested that Mucoromycotina were the initial pioneers in partnering with early land plants. Research indicates that Mucoromycotina may have been instrumental in helping plants adapt to the harsh terrestrial environment by providing vital nutrients and water. This challenges earlier views that mainly focused on Glomeromycotina as the primary fungal partner, rewriting the understanding of early plant evolution and highlighting the previously underestimated importance of Mucoromycotina.

What does the "promiscuous partnerships" of fungi and plants mean?

The research findings suggest that transitions between different combinations of Mucoromycotina and Glomeromycotina occurred frequently. This indicates a period of experimentation and flexibility in these early symbiotic relationships. Plants did not exclusively rely on one type of fungi, and the ability to form partnerships with different fungi was crucial for adaptation and survival. This promiscuity highlights the dynamic and adaptable nature of the early plant-fungi interactions and helps explain the diversity of plant life we see today.

How does this research affect modern practices, like agriculture?

Understanding the roles of different fungi in plant health has implications for modern practices. The research highlights that by promoting beneficial symbiotic relationships, such as those between plants and Mucoromycotina or Glomeromycotina, agriculture can become more sustainable. This could lead to more efficient nutrient uptake, reduced need for fertilizers, and enhanced plant resilience, which in turn helps in creating healthier ecosystems.