Module 4: Interconnectedness of living things

The message
Communities of living things are interconnected and interdependent—including humans.

The experience
A sculptural representation of an aguajé palm, perhaps made from recycled materials, extends the full height of the gallery. It is both a symbolic and literal “Tree of Life.” Suspended among its branches and nestled among its roots are taxidermy mounts or video monitors showing the diverse creatures whose lives revolve around the aguajé—from large mammals like tapirs and peccaries and brilliant scarlet macaws, to tiny insect pollinators and bats. Clues of human presence are also included—such as a foot band for climbing, packaging for the many products made from aguajé fruit, or video monitors of people climbing and cutting aguajés. Graphics reveal the aguaje fruits’ scaly texture and nearly iridescent sheen.

The story
The aguajé (Mauritia flexuosa) beautifully demonstrates the interconnectedness of species in a community—including humans. The “Tree of Life,” as the first European visitors dubbed it, is an essential food source for large mammals, primates, fish, rodents, and birds. It is a primary nesting site for macaws and provides a home for countless other species, including its tiny insects pollinators. Aguajé is also an important resource for humans. Many rural communities depend on urban sales of products made from the fruit.

Bil Alverson and Robin Foster follow the increasing demand for aguajé in Peru with concern. Its 100-foot height and slippery trunk make cutting down trees the easiest method for harvesting fruit. The Maijuna’s decision to harvest by climbing, instead of cutting trees, points to the importance of local stewardship.