Resource inequality is one of our greatest challenges, but it's not unique to humans. Like us, mycorrhizal fungi that live in plant and tree roots strategically trade, steal and withhold resources, displaying remarkable parallels to humans in their capacity to be opportunistic (and sometimes ruthless) -- all in the absence of cognition. In a mind-blowing talk, evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers shares what fungi networks and relationships reveal about human economies, and what they can tell us about inequality.

Toby Kiers: Lessons from fungi on markets and economics

Lessons from fungi on markets and economics

Fungi, the unassuming architects of ecosystems, engage in complex trade networks below our feet, shaping the world unseen.

In a dance of supply and demand, fungi demonstrate sophisticated trade strategies, mirroring human markets but without cognition.

Fungi manipulate resource value through strategic trade, challenging our understanding of economics in nature's intricate web.