Trees can communicate with each other?!!!

Did you know that trees can communicate with each other? It's a remarkable fact that has only been discovered relatively recently.

Trees, it turns out, are not just individual organisms but are interconnected in vast underground networks called mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi connect the roots of different trees, allowing them to share resources such as nutrients and water. But it's not just a one-way street - trees also use this network to communicate with each other.

 

For example, when a tree is attacked by insects, it can release chemical signals into the air that warn other trees in the area of the impending danger. These signals can trigger other trees to produce defensive chemicals, making them less attractive to the insects.

 

Trees can also "recognize" their kin - trees that are genetically related to them - and will prioritize sharing resources with them over unrelated trees. This helps ensure the survival of their own genes in the next generation.

 

This fascinating discovery has profound implications for our understanding of the natural world. It suggests that trees are not just individuals, but are part of complex, interconnected ecosystems. It also highlights the importance of preserving forests and other natural habitats, as the destruction of these habitats can have far-reaching consequences beyond what we can see on the surface.