Mitchell Bundick - Ecology of Eden Ch 2

Ecology of Eden chapter 2, titled "Axis Powers", discussed the rise of diversity during the Cenozoic Era primarily due to mutualistic relationships. Eisenberg brings up multiple examples of mutualism other than humans and grasses, as reviewed in chapter 1, including the cell, leafcutter ants and their fungal colonies, and ants and aphids. I found it interesting to read how the chapter discussed the impacts of these relationships in terms of evolution. Different species rise to prominence while other species are displaced, depending on the relationship. Additionally, I thought about this chapter from a modern-day perspective. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss how human populations expanded due to mutualistic relationships with other species. I think that today, it's also true that humans rely on relationships with other organisms for survival and the ability to thrive the way we do. Things we may take for granted today, including medicine and some forms of technology, are only possible through interactions with other organisms (primarily plants). Simultaneously, I think we are still reaping the benefits of interactions that occurred 65+ million years ago. The rise of agriculture, discussed in Chapter 1 through the mutualism between humans and grasses, is a prime example. Introducing agriculture to human society allowed for drastic changes in lifestyle and allowed human populations to expand and largely take over. Overall, I found the historic context of mutualistic relationships and the lasting impacts they caused to be the most insightful part of this chapter. 

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