1. Which characteristic of the geothermal vents made the survival of nearby plants so surprising?

a The depth of the holes

b The heat they generate

c The number of them that exist

d The amount of pressure they release

Persevering Plants

1 Yellowstone National Park extends across a unique area of land in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Thousands of geothermal vents that lie just below the earth’s surface cover this vast region. Geothermal vents are deep holes in the ground that release built-up pressure in the form of steam and scalding-hot water. The temperature of the ground near these hot spots can rise to more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit. During a trip to Yellowstone, microbiologist Rusty Rodriguez noticed something peculiar. He observed many plants thriving in the searing soil despite these intense conditions. Rodriguez wondered how these plants were able to flourish in such extreme temperatures while other plants in similar or milder environments perish.

2 To solve this mystery Rodriguez took plant samples back to his laboratory for investigation. Under a microscope he saw tiny strands of fungi called endophytes living on the plants. Rodriguez’s research revealed that the endophytes made the plants better able to handle climate stressors such as drought, heat, and cold. Correspondingly, the plant provided sugar to support the existence of the fungi.

3 About 80 percent of the earth’s plants have a strain of endophyte fungus living on them. However, in the last few decades the fungi have unintentionally been destroyed by pesticides and fertilizer. Rodriguez believed that if the fungi could somehow be added back to a plant, its natural protection could be restored.

4 Rodriguez extracted endophyte fungi from several native plants known for surviving extreme temperatures to create a mixture. He found that when the mixture is applied to seeds, plants become immune to many of the agricultural woes that plague farmers. When plants are restored with endophyte fungi, they are protected from heat or cold. They also require less water and fertilizer to grow. Overall, plants are much healthier and more resilient.

5 Rodriguez has tested his endophyte mixture on crops and achieved success. In 2012 the state of Michigan was experiencing severe drought and extreme temperatures. Corn and rice seeds were coated with Rodriguez’s creation to see how they would endure such conditions. The results were overwhelmingly optimistic. Crop yields increased by 85 percent. In addition, the plants used between 25 and 50 percent less water than those not treated. Simply put, plants that had the mixture added to them were more inclined to tolerate drought than others.

6 Scientists are hopeful about the potential of endophyte fungi. Plants are easily protected from drought and other severe conditions when they are treated with this fungus. It is also a natural, nontoxic substance that does not harm plants or humans. Endophyte fungi could quite possibly be the key to providing sustainable crops for the future.

Inspirational Bible Verses

Compiled and Edited by BibleStudyTools Staff on 9/11/2020

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Inspirational Bible Verses

Inspirational Bible Verses - Read inspirational quotes and Scripture from the Bible that can help encourage you in times of doubt, loss, mourning, sadness, or hopelessness. The Holy Bible has many passages that can uplift your mind and heart, giving you the strength you need to get through each day.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that ALL Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. The Bible is a work of God that was written by human men that were inspired by God. What better source of inspiration than our Creator! Whether you are looking for motivation, encouragement, reassurance, or peace, the Bible should be the first resource you turn to!

Below is a collection of inspirational Bible verses that can lead you into a deeper understanding of who God is and what His plan is for your life. He wants to "prosper you and not to harm you, to give hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11) You can also send these to a family member or friend in need and be assured that God can work miracles when we choose to believe His promises! Use these verses to be inspired and motivated to continue believing and having faith!

For more encouragement read 30 Inspiring Christian Quotes at Crosswalk.com. These quotes will point you back to Christ and challenge you to bring Jesus into every area of your life!

Download your own personal copy of Inspirational Bible Verses HERE. Print this PDF and keep it by your bed, in your car, at work, or anywhere you need to be reminded of God's promised blessings and love in your life!

1 Peter 5:7

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

John 4:18

18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

Isaiah 40:31

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Matthew 17:20

20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Psalm 27:12

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

Psalm 31:24

24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 107:1

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 27:4

4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14