Life in the Soil - Soil: Reflections on the Basis of our Existence - page 75

Security of abundance. Termites' digestive systems are full of spiral-shaped bacteria (spirochetes)
and single-celled ciliates. These microbes break down wood and the termites survive on the res-
idues. In exchange, the microbes get abundant food and protection from predators. The photo
shows microscopic spirochetes wrapped around the gigantic ciliates that can measure up to a
tenth of a millimetre in length
beneath the trees due to a toxin in eucalyptus leaves that prevents seeds from ger-
minating and plant-inhibiting substances secreted by the trees' roots. The toxin is a
muscle relaxant and lowers blood pressure and body temperature, which is why koa-
las—which exist strictly on a diet of eucalyptus leaves—are so slow and ponderous
when moving through the canopy. In return, the koala avoids parasites such as lice
and ticks as these eschew the toxins secreted in the animal's skin.
Aboriginal music is heavily influenced by the natural world. Aboriginal players
use their didgeridoos to imitate the calls of birds and other animals and also imper-
sonate animals' behaviour in their dances. I have enjoyed wonderful moments
playing my didgeridoo to fire-bellied toads and edible frogs at different locations
in southern Sweden. The low-frequency vibrations from the instrument excite the