- Would-Wide-Web-0.mp3
- Would-Wide-Web-0.mp4
- Would-Wide-Web-I.mp3
- Would-Wide-Web-I.mp4
- Would-Wide-Web-underground-intro.mp3
[Intro]
Deep, deep down
(Way down under)
Word gets ’round
(What a wonder)
[Verse 1]
Penetrating
(Or wrapping around)
Cross relating
(The words are found)
[Chorus]
Wood wide web
Would flow and ebb
Communication
Fascination
[Bridge]
Deep, deep down
(Way down under)
Word gets ’round
(What a wonder)
[Verse 2]
Intercourse
(For shared resource)
Warn of danger
(From a stranger)
[Chorus]
Wood wide web
Would flow and ebb
Communication
Fascination
[Bridge]
Deep, deep down
(Way down under)
Word gets ’round
(What a wonder)
[Chorus]
Wood wide web
Would flow and ebb
Communication
Fascination
[Bridge]
Deep, deep down
(Way down under)
Word gets ’round
(What a wonder)
[Outro]
Hello! (Did you know)
Hello! (Flow and grow)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Plants communicate through fungi in a fascinating system often referred to as the “wood wide web.” This network is composed of mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with the roots of most plant species. These fungi act as intermediaries, connecting individual plants into a vast underground network that enables the exchange of nutrients, information, and even chemical signals.
How the Communication Works:
- Formation of the Network:
- Mycorrhizal fungi form physical connections with plant roots, penetrating the root cells or wrapping around them. The fungi extend thread-like structures called hyphae into the soil, creating a network that links multiple plants together.
- Nutrient Exchange:
- The fungi help plants absorb water, phosphorus, and other nutrients from the soil. In return, the plants provide the fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship forms the foundation of the network.
- Chemical Messaging:
- Plants release chemical signals into the fungal network, allowing them to communicate with other plants. These signals include:
- Distress Signals: If a plant is under attack by pests, pathogens, or environmental stress, it can send chemical alerts through the fungi. Neighboring plants receiving these signals may increase their production of defensive compounds, such as toxins or enzymes, to prepare for similar threats.
- Nutrient Sharing: Plants in nutrient-rich areas can “donate” resources to those in nutrient-poor areas via the fungal network. This often happens between related plants or in ecosystems where cooperation boosts the survival of the entire community.
- Plants release chemical signals into the fungal network, allowing them to communicate with other plants. These signals include:
- Selective Communication:
- Plants can prioritize communication with certain neighbors over others. For example, parent plants may favor their offspring by directing more resources to them, a phenomenon observed in some forest ecosystems.
- Suppression and Competition:
- The fungal network can also be used for competition. Some plants release allelopathic chemicals (compounds that inhibit the growth of other plants) through the network, potentially suppressing rivals while boosting their own growth.
The Role of Fungi in Plant Behavior:
- Defense: Plants connected to a mycorrhizal network exhibit stronger immune responses, as early warnings from neighbors allow them to preemptively activate defense mechanisms.
- Growth Regulation: The fungal network can help distribute resources across an ecosystem, ensuring that weaker plants receive enough nutrients to survive.
- Ecosystem Resilience: By linking plants of different species, the fungal network helps stabilize ecosystems, enabling plants to adapt collectively to environmental changes like drought or disease outbreaks.
How This Relates to Fractals and Networks:
The structure of the fungal network mirrors a fractal pattern, with hyphae branching repeatedly in a self-similar manner. This configuration maximizes the efficiency of resource distribution and signal transmission, much like neural networks or social networks.
Conclusion:
Through their partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi, plants have developed a highly sophisticated underground communication system. This “wood wide web” allows them to share resources, warn each other of danger, and interact with their environment in ways that are crucial for survival and ecosystem health. It is a remarkable example of cooperation in nature and highlights the interconnectedness of life beneath our feet.