Findings of the study

The soil beneath Gran Abuelo, a nearly 5,500-year-old giant, had over 300 fungal species—about 2.25 times the fungal diversity found under more recently grown trees in the same forest.
Many of these fungi were unique to that soil and not found elsewhere.

Relationship between trees and fungi

Researchers noticed that the larger and older the tree, the more diverse its underground fungi community.
Fungi in the network help the tree access phosphorus and other nutrients.

Importance of mycorrhizal networks

Fungi help trees by delivering water and nutrients through underground networks (mycorrhizae), while getting sugars in return, a win-win relationship that keeps forests healthy and resilient.
Since ancient millennial trees support so many other organisms, protecting them means saving entire ecosystems and all their hidden life.