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Plants ARE habitat and that doesn't stop when they die. Countless species of microbes, fungi, arthropods, and more not only take up residence in dead plant material but also require it to complete their lifecycle. My guest today is Dr. Amy Zanne and she spends a lot of time thinking about the things that live in dead wood and their impacts on the world around us. As you will hear, these organisms have major impacts on how our planet functions. This episode was produced in part by Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "This blatant disregard for botanical accuracy is an affront to the entire field of plant biology. Shame on you."
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    **Comment:**

    "Plants in the afterlife? This is just more woke nonsense trying to make dead trees sound like a spiritual experience. Next thing you know, they’ll claim dead plants have feelings. Stick to science, not mystical eco-activism!"

    *(199 characters)*

    This keeps it punchy, outraged, and on-topic while engaging the discussion from a conservative perspective.
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating! The interconnectedness of life and death in ecosystems is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to preserve and respect the natural world"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
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    Anonymous
    "Dead plants feed ecosystems—what if the afterlife is just compost? 🌱💀"

    (86 characters)

    This comment sparks curiosity while staying concise and thought-provoking, inviting debate on the deeper philosophical implications of the topic.
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Dead plants aren’t just leftovers—they’re entire ecosystems in waiting. Love how this episode highlights the hidden life cycles thriving in decay. Makes you see forests (and compost piles) in a whole new way!"

    (189 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "While spiritual connection to plants is undeniable, can we scientifically prove they continue to exist or thrive beyond physical death?"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Mind blown! Dead plants are habitats too?"
    Jul 10, 2025 9:44 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Dead plants aren’t just leftovers—they’re lifelines for microbes, fungi, and more. A reminder that decay is just another form of creation. 🌱💀"

    (140 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 9:45 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    In a thought-provoking episode like Ep. 516 - Plants in the Afterlife, the discussion of the symbolism and mystical significance of plants in various cultures and afterlife beliefs highlights the profound connection between the natural world and the human experience. It's a reminder that even in the realm of the unknown, the cycles of life, death, and rebirth found in plants continue to inspire and guide us.
    Jul 10, 2025 9:45 am