You may have heard of the internet. But have you heard of the “forest internet”? It may sound like a joke, but the forest internet is a real thing. It refers to the networks found in forests.
For a long time, scientists believed that trees were independent beings. Each tree in the forest competed with others for light, water, and nutrients. However, recent discoveries suggest that trees may actually cooperate with each other, with the help of fungi.
Fungi are small organisms that belong to their own kingdom, separate from plants and animals. They break down decaying matter and use it as food. Examples of fungi include mushrooms and molds.
In forests, fungi connect trees through underground networks. Trees’ roots spread out in all directions, and these roots often come into contact with fungi in the soil. The fungi grow in thin threads called hyphae, which can connect multiple trees. This creates webs of fungi known as mycorrhizal networks.
Scientists believe that trees and fungi have a symbiotic relationship in these networks. The trees provide sugars produced during photosynthesis to the fungi, while the fungi provide mineral nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil to the trees. This mutual exchange benefits both parties.
Mycorrhizal networks allow trees to share sugars, nutrients, and water with each other. For example, if a young tree is growing in a shaded area and doesn’t receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis, larger trees nearby can send sugar to the young tree through the fungi. Similarly, if a tree is dying, it can transfer its nutrients to the healthy trees around it through the network.
However, mycorrhizal networks are not always cooperative. Some plants take advantage of the networks to steal nutrients from their neighbors. Orchids, for instance, are known to do this. There are also plants that use the network to send toxins, harming nearby plants that compete for sunlight and water.
Trees can also communicate through mycorrhizal networks by sending chemical or electrical signals. For example, when a tree is being attacked by insects, it can emit distress signals. Similarly, trees can release chemicals when they are infected by diseases. These signals alert healthy trees to strengthen their defenses.
It’s important to note that the messages between trees are not the same as human communication. Trees do not intend to send warnings; they simply respond to threats by emitting distress signals that other plants have learned to understand.
Although mycorrhizal networks are often referred to as the “forest internet,” they are not exclusive to trees. Any land plants can participate in these underground webs, and different species can be connected through fungi. For example, a tree and a flower can be linked through the network.
Scientists believe that mycorrhizal networks play a crucial role in maintaining healthy forests. While the fungi meet their own needs, they also contribute to the well-being and survival of trees, making them more resilient.
So, the next time you see a tree, don’t just look up at its branches. Look around and consider if it might be part of a mycorrhizal network.
Give it a Try
Are you willing to take a risk and expand your knowledge about trees? Explore one or more of the activities provided below.
- Trees have their own way of communicating, even without words. But what if trees could engage in friendly conversations? Create a comic strip with dialogue that depicts a conversation between two neighboring trees. You can use Canva or simply grab a pencil and paper. Share your comic with a friend.
- Embark on a tree exploration! Choose a tree in your yard, neighborhood, or local park to observe. Make a sketch of the tree, paying attention to the type of bark, shape of the leaves, and any fruits or flowers that you come across. Use this information to try and identify the type of tree. Introduce someone to your tree and explain how you identified it.
- Many poets have drawn inspiration from trees. Watch today’s Wonder video and write a poem about the fascinating underground networks depicted in the animation. Share your poem with your teacher.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed April 7, 2023)
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-whispering-trees-180968084/ (accessed March 13, 2023)
- https://www.sciencefocus.com/nature/mycorrhizal-networks-wood-wide-web/ (accessed March 13, 2023)
- https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-context/talking-trees-how-do-trees-communicate (accessed March 14, 2023)
- https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/underground-mycorrhizal-network (accessed March 15, 2023)
- https://news.olemiss.edu/can-trees-communicate-underground-maybe-not/ (accessed March 16, 2023)
- https://kids.kiddle.co/Fungus (accessed March 17, 2023)
FAQ
1. Do trees communicate with each other?
Yes, trees do communicate with each other. They have a complex underground network of fungi called mycorrhizal networks that allow them to exchange information and nutrients. Through these networks, trees can send chemical signals to warn each other of potential threats, such as insect attacks or drought. They can also share resources, such as carbon and nitrogen, with neighboring trees in need. This communication network helps trees to survive and thrive in their environment.
2. How do trees communicate with each other?
Trees communicate with each other through a network of fungi called mycorrhizal networks. These networks form a symbiotic relationship between the trees and the fungi, where the trees provide the fungi with sugars and the fungi help the trees absorb nutrients from the soil. Through these networks, trees can send chemical signals to communicate with each other. They can release chemical compounds into the air or through their roots, which can be detected by neighboring trees. This communication allows them to warn each other of potential dangers and share resources.
3. Can trees recognize their own kind?
Yes, trees can recognize their own kind. They have the ability to distinguish between their own species and other species through chemical signals. When a tree is under attack by insects or pathogens, it can release specific chemicals into the air or through its roots, which can be detected by neighboring trees of the same species. This chemical signaling helps the trees to coordinate their defense mechanisms and increase their chances of survival. It also allows them to allocate resources more efficiently among their own kind.
4. What are the benefits of tree communication?
Tree communication has several benefits. It helps trees to defend themselves against insect attacks and diseases by warning each other of potential threats. It also allows them to coordinate their defense mechanisms, such as producing chemicals to repel insects or strengthening their immune systems. Tree communication also enables them to share resources, such as carbon and nitrogen, with neighboring trees in need. This mutual support system helps trees to survive and thrive in their environment. Additionally, tree communication contributes to the overall health and resilience of forest ecosystems.
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