Microscopic soil creatures could orchestrate massive tree ‘migrations’

Warming temperatures are prompting some tree species in the Rocky Mountains to ‘migrate’ to higher elevations in order to survive. Researchers have discovered that tiny below-ground organisms play a role in this phenomenon — and could be used to encourage tree migration in order to preserve heat-sensitive species. Their work shows how these invisible biotic communities create ‘soil highways’ for young trees, meaning they could determine how quickly species march uphill, if at all.