Category: Nature > Cooperation
Trees are not solitary beings; they engage in a complex form of communication and cooperation through a network of underground fungi known as mycorrhizae. This symbiotic relationship allows trees to exchange nutrients, water, and even chemical signals. For example, when a tree is attacked by pests, it can send distress signals through these fungal networks, alerting neighboring trees to bolster their defenses. This underground "Wood Wide Web" not only facilitates nutrient sharing between trees of different species but also helps maintain the health and biodiversity of entire forest ecosystems. These connections illustrate a remarkable level of cooperation in nature, highlighting how trees support each other in their struggle for survival and resilience against environmental stressors.