The not-so-secret life of plants

Aug 22, 2024

Zoë Schlanger, a climate reporter at The Atlantic and author of 'The Light Eaters,' dives into the fascinating world of plant intelligence and consciousness. She discusses how new research suggests plants are not just passive entities but capable of sensing their environment and communicating with one another. The conversation challenges traditional views, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be alive and aware. Schlanger's insights pave the way for a scientific revolution in how we understand and respect the role of plants in our ecosystem.

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ANECDOTE

David Rhodes' Talking Trees Anecdote

David Rhodes studied Sitka willows and noticed trees harmed by caterpillars recovered when caterpillars died off.
He proposed "talking trees" theory where trees warn each other via airborne signals about threats.

INSIGHT

Plants Respond to Acoustic Signals

Plants can sense sounds and respond accordingly, like priming immune defenses when hearing caterpillar chewing.
Evening primrose flowers vibrate like a satellite dish to sweeten nectar when bees buzz nearby, indicating acoustic sensitivity.

INSIGHT

Plants Sense Touch Electronically

Plants become aware of touch as an attack triggering electrical signals spreading through the plant.
This quick signaling shows plants perceive damage and respond systemically without a brain.

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From the perspective of Western science, plants have long been considered unaware, passive life forms; essentially, rocks that happen to grow.

But there’s something in the air in the world of plant science. New research suggests that plants are aware of the world around them to a far greater extent than previously understood. Plants may be able to sense acoustics, communicate with each other, and make choices… all this without a brain.

These findings are fueling a debate, perhaps even a scientific revolution, which challenges our fundamental definitions of life, intelligence, and consciousness.

Featuring Zoë Schlanger.

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LINKS

Zoë Schlanger’s book is called The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth.

“Everything Will Be Vine” is a great podcast episode from Future Ecologies featuring Zoë’s journey into the Chilean rainforest, where researchers are mystified by a once-overlooked vine.

Jagadish Chandra Bose was an Indian scientist who challenged the Western view of plants in the early 20th century. He studied electrical signaling in plants and argued that plants use language. Read about his life and work in Orion.

This is the now famous study by David Rhoades. Rhoades was derided for his “talking trees” theory, and only was proved correct after his death. Here’s an audio story which goes deeper on Rhoades.

Lilach Hadany, the scientist who likened a field of flowers to a “field of ears,” also recently found that plants produce sounds when stressed.

The study which found that plants respond to the sound of caterpillars chewing, a collaboration between Rex Cocroft and Heidi Appel.

The organization of the octopus nervous system is fascinating.

CREDITS

Outside/In host: Nate Hegyi

Reported, produced, and mixed by Justine Paradis.

Edited by Taylor Quimby

Our team also includes Felix Poon and Marina Henke.

NHPR’s Director of Podcasts is Rebecca Lavoie

Special thanks to Rex Cocroft for sharing the recordings of leafhopper mating calls and chewing caterpillars.

Music by Mochas, Hanna Lindgren, Alec Slayne, Sarah the Illstrumentalist, Brendan Moeller, Nul Tiel Records, Blue Dot Sessions, and Chris Zabriskie.

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