- The Weekly Close
- Posts
- How Nature Connects
How Nature Connects
The Quote
"Trees are linked to neighbouring trees by an underground network of fungi that resembles the neural networks in the brain."
Suzanne Simard, Forest Ecologist
The Facts
Research reveals that trees communicate through mycorrhizal networks that are effectively an information highway, with recent studies demonstrating the exchange of nutritional resources, defence signals and allelochemicals.
The forest operates as one interconnected community, sharing information for collective survival.
In an experiment published in Ecology Letters (2013), pines receiving signals through a mycorrhizal network warning of pest attacks and activating their defence mechanisms.
“Simard says we can think of the larger forest ecosystems as similar to human societies. They’re complex, self-organising, and adaptive. And, importantly, she says they are intelligent.”
Thoughts
Trees have been networking for millions of years, creating underground communities that share resources, send warnings and support each other's growth.
Could we improve on our own interconnectedness within our networks?
How do you share resources and support within your own network?
How might you strengthen the networks in your own life?
Individual success in nature can depend on community health.
Ok, that's all for now!
