Networking Trees

Suzanne Simard (credit: YouTube)

Trees have developed a means to "talk" with each other that has only recently been determined. They use chemicals within associations of tree roots and symbiotic fungi as networking tools.

Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard from the University of British Columbia says: a forest is much more than what you see. Her field and lab research has led to the discovery that trees communicate with each other, even over long distances, using sophisticated chemical signaling. Simard explains the mutualistic cooperation and complicated system with which trees can do this. The natural structure of a forest uses this underground network of root-fungal connections to transmit chemical information. These pathways help protect the trees from infestations and build resilience into the forests. Her discoveries will have uses from forest restoration to tree orchard productivity and likely uses that cannot be imagined.

You may view natural forests differently after listening to this ecologist  Suzzane Simard discuss her research findings to a TED conference audience. WHB

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