Plants are often considered elements of the landscape, practically devoid of activity. However, recent advances in plant neurobiology dispel this idea. Increasingly, trees are seen as complex living beings that They even have a communication system between them.
Trees are very sensitive living beings that communicate with each other, move in their own way and support other species in their environment. Even though it doesn’t have a nervous system like animals, They appear to be able to transmit commands and impressionsmeasure your environment and learn from your experiences.
Communication between trees
Today we know that trees “talk” to each other. by three means: chemical exchange, electrical pulses and ultrasound. Everything indicates that in forests, trees warn each other about parasites, predators, unfavorable weather conditions and vital needs.
The idea that trees communicate comes from observe their root systems and their interaction with fungi. This communication system was called the “Wood Wide Web”, in reference to the “World Wide Web” of the Internet.
Some researchers They even pointed out that there are friendships between neighboring trees.. These bonds are strongest between those who are physically close, creating mutual dependence. Indeed, the death of a “friendly” tree can weaken the other and even lead to its death.
common defense
Trees don’t just use their roots to share nutrients; Also They send hormones and signals to alert other trees of threats. Apparently, this communication allows them to prepare for adverse conditions.
Each plant cell has an electrical charge which is affected when it suffers damage. This causes a phenomenon called depolarization.
Some research carried out at the University of Lausanne has shown that These electrical signals can be transmitted through the rootssimilar to neural communication. Although this interaction is less than that of neurons, it functions in a similar way.
The language of trees
Communication between plants is not limited to chemical and electrical signals. In 2012, a team of researchers from the University of Western Australia discovered that the roots of corn plants emit a constant soundinaudible to most people.
Furthermore, they observed that chili plants accelerated their growth in the presence of sweet fennel. Initially, this was thought to be due to the emission of chemical compounds. However, by isolating the chili pepper from all chemicals except the sound, it was established that the plants could still detect the fennel.
Sound production in plants is linked to their metabolism. During this process, water can form bubbles that produce sounds. However, this idea raises questions, because no specific organ or protein has been identified in plants to perceive sound. They may not pick up sound per se, but rather sound vibrations.
Questions
The idea that trees and plants communicate with each other has been supported by various research. However, This possibility arouses distrust, even rejection, from many specialists..
One of the main objections comes from plant neuroscience. Until now, Tissues that function as nervous systems have not been identified in plants. comparable to those of higher animals.
For this reason, many experts accept that plants can respond to stimuli, but do not consider this to involve more sophisticated information processing. The idea that plants possess any type of consciousness or intelligence is not accepted..
With growing interest in exploring new worlds beyond Earth, biology will likely need to be re-examined in the future. Many researchers point out that plants could have a type of consciousness and sensitivity different from ours in their form and expression.
The social life of trees
Discoveries about communication between trees suggest that these living things not only exist in isolation, but form interdependent communities. Some tree species, such as poplars and pines, are known to live in “family forests,” where individuals are connected by underground networks and share resources. This type of behavior not only contributes to the survival of each tree, but also contributes to the health of the ecosystem as a whole.
Furthermore, it was observed that Older trees, often called “mother trees,” play a vital role in the health of the forest. These trees tend to be more generous in providing nutrients and protection to young trees, ensuring the continuity of the forest. This type of altruism in the plant kingdom challenges traditional notions of competition and survival of the fittest.
So the next time you find yourself in a forest, remember that even if you can’t see it, there is a lot more going on around you than meets the eye. Trees speak and their conversation is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on our planet.
Recommended Reading
The secret life of trees
The trees will teach you to see the forest
