Do positive interactions among plants matter?

Our perception of nature is based, to a large degree, on observing how organisms interact with one another. For example, if our observations are predominantly of consumer relationships, then we are likely to lean strongly toward a “red in tooth and claw” perspective. If we tend to focus on mutualistic and beneficial interactions, then we may be more likely to perceive the natural world as Gaia. Alternatively, of course, our perception of nature may determine what interactions we find interesting or important. For example, one who inherently sees the world as red in tooth and claw may be predisposed to consider predation to be a dominant interaction in nature.