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Plant Intelligence
Dec 7, 2024
Zoë Schlanger, a science writer for The Atlantic and author of 'The Light Eaters,' joins renowned forest ecologist Suzanne Simard, known for her groundbreaking work on the 'wood wide web.' They dive into the surprising intelligence of plants, including their ability to communicate distress signals and adapt to their environment. The conversation also highlights the vital roles of 'mother trees' in supporting forest ecosystems and emphasizes rethinking our ethical relationship with nature. Discover how plants are much smarter and more interconnected than we ever imagined!
51:55
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Quick takeaways
- Plants exhibit forms of intelligence, responding to stimuli and making decisions, such as redirecting resources for optimal growth.
- Old trees act as critical communication hubs in forests, supporting younger plants through resource sharing and fostering ecosystem stability.
Deep dives
The New Science of Plant Intelligence
Recent studies suggest that plants exhibit a form of intelligence that challenges traditional views of cognition. This new understanding suggests that plants actively respond to environmental stimuli and make decisions based on their surroundings. For example, a tree may decide to redirect its resources from a shaded branch back to more productive parts of its structure. This demonstrates a level of cognitive capacity, as plants assess their situation and adapt accordingly.
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