Fungus

"This underground network - fungal mycelium - connects to tree roots, forming mycorrhizal networks (literally "fungus-root" partnerships). The fungus extends the tree's effective root system by 1000x, accessing water and nutrients the tree can't reach."

"... create the conditions for other species to thrive. Fungi are even more extreme ecosystem engineers. The largest living organism on Earth is a honey fungus (Armillaria ostoyae) in Oregon's Malheur National Forest, covering 2,385 acres and estimated to weigh 600 tons."

"... extensive hyphal network - fungi reach 100× more soil volume than roots alone) - Network effect: Tree A (in sunlight, producing excess sugars) → Fungus → Tree B (in shade, producing insufficient sugars). Tree A subsidizes Tree B via fungal intermediary. The evidence (Suzanne Simard's experiments..."

"But in natural ecosystems, roots are rarely alone. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize 90% of plant species. The fungus wraps around root tips (ectomycorrhizae, meaning "outside root") or penetrates root cells (endomycorrhizae, meaning "inside root"), extending the eff..."

"...ge 1: Pioneer species (Years 0-10) The first colonizers are lithophytes - organisms that can grow on bare rock: - Lichens: Symbiotic organism (fungus + algae or cyanobacteria). Require only rock surface + air + moisture. Secrete acids that slowly weather rock, creating primitive "soil." - Mosses*..."