The underground plant ecosystem is a complex network that connects plants to each other through their roots. This network consists of fungi, which act as underground Internet fibers, linking the roots of different plants. The purpose of this network is to share nutrients and information among the plants.
It’s important to never underestimate the power of nature. Nature has always been better than us at everything it does, and this is unlikely to change. In fact, nature is always one step ahead of us, and our survival heavily depends on it. It can be safely assumed that without trees, there would be no humans.
That’s the power of nature.
Human arrogance has always led us to believe that we are superior in evolution. However, modern science has discovered something that should humble us: there is an underground Internet connection among trees… well, not exactly the Internet, but something very similar!
Specifically, scientists in the UK have found an extensive underground network that connects plants through their roots.
How Does This Work?
Oh, the irony
The underground plant ecosystem is more complex than you might think. It functions as a massive information data center that processes and transfers data from one plant to another. However, the roots don’t play a major role in this information exchange. The main players are the numerous fungi present underground. While mushrooms are the most well-known type of fungus, most of their bodies consist of thin threads called mycelium. Research has shown that these threads act as underground Internet fibers, connecting the roots of different plants.
The family of fungi that links trees is called mycorrhizae.
But What’s the Purpose of This “Tree Internet”?
This is where things get interesting. These fungi are not just passive; they share nutrients and information with the surrounding plants, creating a mutual relationship among the plant community.
Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard and her colleagues from the University of British Columbia made an intriguing discovery. Large trees help smaller ones thrive by providing them with nutrients. She demonstrated that Douglas fir and paper birch trees can transfer carbon between each other through this versatile mycelium network.
Older trees nourish younger saplings.
The plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates as food. In return, the fungi assist the plants in absorbing water and provide nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen through their mycelium. This is essentially a symbiotic process.
Another interesting aspect is that this fungal network enhances the host plants’ immune system. When a fungus attaches to a plant’s roots, it releases chemicals that induce defense mechanisms, making the plant more resistant to diseases.
Other Forms of Communication Among Trees
Sinister tree
Similar to the plant Internet, there is also a form of mobile phone service in the plant kingdom.
Plants have a defense mechanism where they release chemicals that kill pests and alert nearby plants of an impending attack. These chemicals can also attract predators that eat pests.
Interestingly, trees have been found to commit “crimes” against other trees by spreading toxic chemicals through a fungal network. This can be considered a form of cybercrime in the tree world. Similar to the dark side of the internet, hidden crimes also occur among plants.
There are various plant species that harm other plants. For instance, some plants steal resources from each other using the fungal network. Additionally, certain plants do not have chlorophyll and cannot produce energy through photosynthesis. They rely on neighboring trees and their fungal network, like the phantom orchid, to obtain carbon.
Despite their seemingly innocent appearance, plants can engage in petty crimes against each other, just like animals. Perhaps Mother Earth designed us this way to maintain balance and equilibrium.