Senior Project Advisor
Tristan Goldman
Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Spring 2021
Keywords
mycorrhizae, ectomycorrhizae, fungi, wetland, scientific communication, popular writing, marsh, Chuckanut, plant communication
Abstract
A surge in research about mycorrhizae over the past few decades has revealed mycorrhizal associations to be critical to plant ecosystems. They are present in over 90% of plant species and allow them to share nutrients and information through fungal mycelia. The question of how pervasive mycorrhizae are in different habitats receives ever-changing answers as research continues. In this literature review, I explore what mycorrhizal species are likely to be present in a local ecosystem with diverse plant communities: the Chuckanut marsh estuary. I explain how I cross-referenced a plant species list from a Chuckanut marsh characterization study with plant species list that survey mycorrhizal status. I also reviewed literature about both mycorrhizal presence in wetland habitats and history of the study of mycorrhizae. I argue that Suzanne Simard can be credited with the popularity of the topic of mycorrhizae, through her scientific research but especially through her creative methods of communication to the public.
Department
Biology
Recommended Citation
Schmitt, Evangeline, "The Possible Presence of Mycorrhizae in the Chuckanut Marsh Wetland and the Lamentable Absence of Personality in Scientific Communication" (2021). WWU Honors College Senior Projects. 484.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/wwu_honors/484
Subjects - Topical (LCSH)
Plant-fungus relationships--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Mountains; Mycorrhizas--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Mountains; Fungi--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Mountains--Hyphae; Marshes--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Mountains
Subjects - Names (LCNAF)
Simard, S. (Suzanne)
Geographic Coverage
Chuckanut Mountains (Wash.)
Genre/Form
essays
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf