44 terms defined with Wikidata entity alignment across 10 flagship articles. Each term links to the global Knowledge Graph.
The 1-2mm zone of soil directly surrounding plant roots where intense microbial activity is fueled by root exudates — 100x-1000x more microbial density than bulk soil.
A glycoprotein produced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi that acts as biological 'glue,' stabilizing soil aggregates and storing carbon.
Farming practices (no-till, cover crops, composting) that rebuild soil organic matter and restore degraded soil biodiversity.
The long-term capture and storage of atmospheric CO2, either in soil organic matter, ocean sediments, or geological formations.
Agricultural practice that avoids mechanical soil disturbance, preserving fungal networks and soil structure.
Sugars, amino acids, and organic acids secreted by plant roots to recruit specific soil microorganisms — up to 40% of plant photosynthates.
The study of microorganisms in soil — bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protists that drive nutrient cycling and ecosystem function.
A symbiotic association between fungal hyphae and plant roots — arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi penetrate root cells; ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi wrap root tips.
The vegetative body of a fungus, consisting of branching thread-like hyphae that form underground networks connecting plants.
Underground fungal networks connecting multiple plants, enabling carbon and nutrient transfer — the biological basis of the 'wood wide web.'
A close and long-term biological interaction between two different organisms — can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.
Antimicrobial volatile organic compounds released by trees (alpha-pinene, limonene) that reduce airborne pathogens and boost human NK cell activity.
Airborne particles of biological origin — bacteria, fungi, pollen, and plant signals — up to 10,000 per cubic meter of outdoor air.
Japanese practice of 'forest bathing' — immersion in forest atmosphere shown to increase NK cell activity by 50% for 30+ days.
The smallest and most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth — a marine cyanobacterium producing more oxygen than all terrestrial forests combined.
The ocean's mechanism for transporting carbon from the atmosphere to the deep sea via phytoplankton photosynthesis, death, and sinking as Marine Snow.
The synthesis of organic compounds from CO2 by photosynthesis — marine primary production generates 50-80% of Earth's oxygen.
Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances — 80% of ocean pollution originates on land via rivers and runoff.
Excessive nutrient enrichment of water (nitrogen, phosphorus) causing algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and dead zones.
Using plants to absorb, accumulate, or break down environmental pollutants — a nature-based solution for contaminated soil and water.
Vegetated strips along waterways that filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and remove 50-90% of nitrates before they reach rivers.
The global reduction in pollinator populations — 40% of insect species are declining, threatening 75% of food crop types.
A technique used by bumblebees and some native bees where wing muscle vibrations shake pollen loose — honeybees cannot do this.
Benefits humans receive from ecosystems — pollination alone is valued at $577 billion annually in crop production.
A class of systemic insecticides that persist in pollen and nectar, reducing wild bee reproduction and honey bee colony survival.
Microscopic photosynthetic organisms drifting in ocean surface waters — the base of marine food webs and producers of 50-80% of Earth's oxygen.
Continuous shower of dead plankton, fecal pellets, and organic detritus sinking from surface to deep ocean — the primary vehicle for deep-sea carbon sequestration.
A marine food web pathway where dissolved organic matter is consumed by bacteria, then protists, recycling 50% of primary production back into the ecosystem.
The global decline in ocean oxygen content — 2% lost since 1960 (77 billion tonnes) due to warming and stratification.
The scientific study of animal behavior under natural conditions — focused on evolutionary and ecological explanations.
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit — cleaner fish remove parasites while client fish provide food access.
Cooperative behavior between unrelated individuals where help is exchanged over time — mathematically proven as an evolutionarily stable strategy by Trivers (1971).
Evolutionary strategy where organisms help relatives to increase the survival of shared genes — Hamilton's rule: cost < relatedness × benefit.
An assemblage of a host organism and all its symbiotic microorganisms, considered as a single evolutionary and ecological unit.
Bidirectional communication system between gut microbiota and the brain via vagus nerve, immune signals, and microbial metabolites.
The complete collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body — approximately 38 trillion bacterial cells, roughly equal to human cell count.
A disruption of the normal microbiome composition — linked to autoimmune diseases, obesity, depression, and inflammatory conditions.
Live bacteria (probiotics) that produce mental health benefits through the gut-brain axis — an emerging field targeting depression and anxiety.
Transfer of a healthy donor's complete gut ecosystem to a sick patient — cures 90% of recurrent C. difficile infections.
The study of sign processes and signal transduction within and between plants — biochemical communication without a nervous system.
Airborne chemical signals released by plants (alpha-pinene, limonene, ethylene) that warn neighbors, attract predators, and repel herbivores.
Chemical, physical, and signaling mechanisms plants use against herbivores and pathogens — including toxic alkaloids, protease inhibitors, and VOC recruitment of predatory insects.
A whole-plant immune response triggered after local infection — salicylic acid signals 'vaccinate' uninfected tissues against future pathogen attack.
The master switch hormone for wound-induced plant defense — activates protease inhibitors, toxic alkaloids, and volatile emissions within hours.