What is going on in the world that we cannot see?
Can plants talk? Do they communicate? Can they protect themselves from predators? These were the essential questions asked during the Rose Café led by Ande Kessler. I had never before thought about if plants could communicate, and certainly not about how they can send signals to each other for protection. As Professor Kessler explained, plants release chemicals when they are eaten by predators, and this chemical can be sensed by other nearby plants, allowing them to protect themselves so they do not get eaten as well. It is a smart survival strategy, and plants have evolved to find ways to communicate no matter the circumstance.
Similarly, Professor Kessler told us about his travels to Columbia and the communities he discovered there. They have unique ways of communicating as well, and designate members of their community to live in darkness for 7 years at a time in order to be able to pass down oral history. Although unseen by sunlight and other humans, these people keep the history of the community and are often consulted for advice on problems. The communication strategy keeps the history pure and undistrupted from outside influences.
Plants and other cultures have unique ways of communicating…it is inspiring to think of the various ways organisms communicate throughout the world.
That’s really interesting, I had no idea plants could communicate like that! 😮
Though I wonder: you mentioned “this chemical can be sensed by other nearby plants, allowing them to protect themselves so they do not get eaten as well”. I wonder what types of ways can plants protect themselves to avoid getting eaten? Moreover, can plants of different species also sense that same chemical, or is it specific to that species?
This is really weird and fascinating, and I love it! Thanks for sharing it with us! 😀