Entangled Life Or Is It The Last of Us?

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures is a book written by Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and author. The book delves into the world of fungi and the crucial role they play in our ecosystems.

Sheldrake starts by introducing the reader to the diversity and complexity of fungi, highlighting their unique characteristics and abilities. He then goes on to explain how fungi play a vital role in the functioning of ecosystems, from their role in nutrient cycling to their interactions with other organisms.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the exploration of the symbiotic relationships between fungi and other organisms, such as mycorrhizal associations between fungi and plant roots. The extent to which the web of fungi connections operate and the social/economical functions I was not aware of until I read this book, as he discuss in Chapter 6: Wood Wide Webs. Sheldrake also discusses the potential of fungi in areas such as biotechnology and medicine.

Now.. if you clicked on this page to learn if the fungi that infects humans in the Last of Us TV series, that is based on the game with the same name, is real or just science fiction, then read on.

Do fungi really change our minds ?.. a very extreme case would involve not merely changing minds, but completely taking over. The termed "Zombie fungi" are a group of fungi, that can live within insects' bodies and modify the hosts' behaviour such that, it brings clear benefits to fungi. By hijacking an insect it is able to propogate its spores and therefore, ensure the survival of its kind. See the excerpt below from the book on a zombie fungi known as Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis.

One of the best-studied cases is that of the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, which organizes its life around carpenter ants. Once infected by the fungus, ants are stripped of their instinctive fear of heights, leave the relative safety of their nests, and climb up the nearest plant—a syndrome known as “summit disease.” In due course the fungus forces the ant to clamp its jaws around the plant in a “death grip.” Mycelium grows from the ant’s feet and stitches them to the plant’s surface. The fungus then digests the ant’s body and sprouts a stalk out of its head, from which spores shower down on ants passing below. If the spores miss their targets, they produce secondary sticky spores that extend outward on threads that act like trip wires.

See the video below to see it yourself.

This article talks if it could infect people

Moving on from zombi fungi, throughout the book, Sheldrake also includes personal anecdotes and stories from his own research experiences, making the content more engaging and relatable. He also addresses some of the current controversies and debates surrounding fungi, such as the classification of certain species and the impact of human activities on fungal populations.

Entangled Life is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the natural world and the intricate relationships within it. Sheldrake's writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book a great introduction to the world of fungi for both experts and laypeople. The book provides a fresh perspective on the importance of these often-overlooked organisms and the crucial role they play in our lives.

Entangled Life is a book that provides an in-depth look into the fascinating world of fungi and their importance in our ecosystems, and how they shape our future. Merlin Sheldrake, a biologist and author, takes the reader on a journey through the diversity and complexity of fungi, highlighting their unique characteristics and abilities and how they play a vital role in the functioning of ecosystems. He also addresses some of the current controversies and debates surrounding fungi, making it a well-rounded book for readers with an interest in the natural world.