Can you imagine these green, leafy creatures standing quietly watching over our planet, providing us with oxygen, and talking to each other like humans? Hidden beneath their roots and whispering through their leaves, trees have a secret language of their own. What if trees are part of an ancient network, sharing resources, warnings and wisdom in ways we are only beginning to understand?
According to research, trees are connected by a network of underground fungi called “Wood Wide WebThese networks help trees get water and nutrients as well as communicate with each other. They send signals about drought, disease or insect attacks that instruct other trees to change their behavior.
Trees communicate through barter systems like humans of ancient civilizations?
Scientists call these networks. Mycorrhizal networks. In this network, the fine, hair-like tips of the roots of the trees form the links of this network connected with microscopic fungi. This appears to be a symbolic relationship or some form of economic exchange or barter system. In return for their work, the fungus eats about 30 percent of the sugar that trees produce through photosynthesis. These sugars power the fungi as they decompose the soil for nitrogen, phosphorus and other mineral nutrients, which are then absorbed by the trees. This exchange also ensures the survival and health of the overall forest community.
Even trees communicate through chemical signals!
The mycorrhizal network acts only as nutrient providers. It can also help carry chemical signals from trees through this underground web. If a tree is under attack from a pest or pathogen, it can release specific chemicals into the soil that alert other trees in the area. Nearby trees then increase their defenses by producing chemicals to repel invaders. This mode of communication is quite similar to the forest-wide immune response, in which the sum of the actions of individual trees improves the immunity of the total ecosystem.
Trees also communicate through the air!
Beyond chemical signals, trees communicate through the use of airborne chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature. Trees release VOCs into the air when a tree is attacked by herbivory or drought. Native trees can detect these airborne signals, causing them to alter their physiological responses. For example, when a tree senses elevated levels of VOCs that indicate an insect attack, it begins to produce chemicals that make its leaves less attractive to insects.
Research in this area, led by scientists such as Suzanne Simard, has shown that tree species such as Douglas fir are central to these networks, often called “hub trees” or “mother trees”, which Many are connected to others through whom they receive. or transfer resources and information. Their role is very important to maintain stability and health. Forest ecosystems.