Day of The Triffids: The Hidden World of Plant Intelligence

For centuries, the prevailing perception of plants has been that they are passive, immobile, and devoid of intelligence.

Yet, recent scientific discoveries have brought to light an astonishing fact: plants are, indeed, intelligent beings, like real ‘Day of The Triffids’ type intelligent, but no need to fear, they ain’t planning to take over the world….yet.

Let’s have a bit of a dive into the intricate world of plant intelligence and the mechanisms through which these silent geniuses communicate, cooperate, and adapt to their environment.

The Roots of Plant Intelligence

Plants possess a unique form of intelligence that is different from the neural-based intelligence found in humans and animals. They rely on complex signalling networks, chemical communication, and adaptive behaviours that allow them to thrive and respond to environmental cues. Some key aspects of plant intelligence include:

Sensory Perception: Plants are highly perceptive beings, equipped with the ability to sense and respond to light, gravity, temperature, humidity, and chemical signals. For instance, plants exhibit phototropism, the process of bending towards the light to optimise photosynthesis, which is a clear demonstration of their ability to perceive and respond to their environment.

Memory and Learning: Plants possess a form of memory that allows them to store information and adjust their behaviour accordingly. For example, the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) is known for its ability to close its leaves when touched. However, when repeatedly exposed to harmless stimuli, these plants can learn that the touch is non-threatening and cease to close their leaves, demonstrating a form of habituation.

Communication and Cooperation: Plants are not solitary beings; they actively communicate and cooperate with one another through a complex network of chemical signals and fungal connections known as mycorrhizal networks. Through these networks, plants can share resources, warn each other about potential threats, and even sabotage competitors.

Decision Making and Adaptation: Plants exhibit a remarkable ability to make decisions based on their environment. They can determine the most beneficial time to grow, flower, or produce seeds, as well as modify their growth patterns to avoid competition or overcome obstacles.

The Chemical Language of Plants

One of the most fascinating aspects of plant intelligence is their intricate communication system. Plants use a myriad of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to convey information to their neighbours, forming a rich and diverse chemical language.

These VOCs can serve a multitude of purposes, such as attracting pollinators, repelling pests, or signalling distress. For example, when a plant is attacked by herbivores, it can release VOCs that not only deter the attacker but also alert neighbouring plants, which in turn can ramp up their own defences in anticipation of a potential threat.

Mycorrhizal Networks: The Wood Wide Web

Another remarkable example of plant intelligence is the underground network of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, connecting their root systems and allowing for the exchange of nutrients and information.

Nicknamed the "Wood Wide Web," these networks enable plants to share resources, such as water and nutrients, with one another during times of scarcity. Additionally, the fungi can act as intermediaries for communication, allowing plants to transmit information about environmental conditions and potential threats, creating a cooperative ecosystem that benefits all parties involved.

Summary

The discovery of plant intelligence has revolutionised our understanding of these silent geniuses, revealing a world of intricate communication, cooperation, and adaptation.

These findings challenge our preconceived notions of intelligence and prompt us to reconsider our relationship with the plant kingdom. By fostering a deeper appreciation for the complex lives of plants, we can ultimately develop a greater sense of stewardship towards our environment and work towards a more sustainable future.

If you do see one creeping towards you in real time then run, well maybe walk, we can’t imagine they’ll be creeping at speed, pesky plants.