In a forest nestled in the Italian Dolomites, a remarkable event unfolded during a solar eclipse: trees synchronized their bio-electrical signals, showcasing a phenomenon researchers liken to the “Wood Wide Web.”
This discovery, detailed in a study published in Royal Society Open Science, reveals that trees, particularly the older ones, exhibit a form of collective behavior in response to environmental changes.
Using custom-built, low-power sensors, an international team of scientists recorded the electrome—the electrical activity within living organisms — of multiple trees during the eclipse. They observed that the trees’ bio-electrical signals became significantly more synchronized around the time of the eclipse.
Notably, the two older trees in the study, approximately 70 years old, initiated this synchronization a full 14 hours before the eclipse began, suggesting they possess mechanisms to anticipate such events.
Even tree stumps from previously felled trees displayed bio-electrical activity, albeit at lower levels, indicating a lingering connection to the forest’s network. This finding underscores the importance of preserving old trees, as they play a crucial role in the forest’s resilience and adaptation.
As Professor Alessandro Chiolerio, a lead author of the study, explained, “We now see the forest not as a mere collection of individuals, but as an orchestra of phase correlated plants.” This insight challenges traditional views of forests and highlights the complex, interconnected nature of plant life.
This research not only deepens our understanding of plant communication but also has significant implications for conservation efforts. Protecting mature trees is vital, as they hold “ancestral memories” that contribute to the forest’s ability to adapt to environmental changes.
To delve deeper into this fascinating study and explore the intricacies of the “Wood Wide Web,” read the full article on Good News Network.
