only 30% of global ecosystems have been sampled for critical underground fungi

Underground, intricate networks of soil fungi underpin the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet despite their global importance, only 30% of global ecosystems have been sampled for these fungal partners. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form important resource trade partnerships with plants. The fungi grow complex networks to help plants acquire nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen.Large areas of Africa, parts of Asia, boreal systems, and drylands remain severely underrepresented. The consequences extend beyond biodiversity surveys. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influence plant productivity, soil aggregation, and carbon stabilization. Without more representative sampling, projections of fungal distributions and their contributions to climate mitigation and restoration targets carry substantial uncertainty. Do we really need sampling or respect for natural organisms ?