

236. Zoë Schlanger with Brooke Jarvis: The Light Eaters
7 snips Sep 3, 2024
Zoë Schlanger, a staff writer at The Atlantic and climate change expert, dives into the remarkable abilities of plants in her latest work. She reveals how plants communicate, recognize kin, and even listen for water. Schlanger explores concepts of plant intelligence, challenging our perceptions of consciousness beyond humans. She highlights the intricate relationships between plants and insects, and calls for a deeper respect for these life forms, emphasizing their vital roles in ecosystems and the enlightening implications of their behaviors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Chameleon Vine Mimicry
- The chameleon vine in Chile mimics the plants it grows beside.
- Zoë Schlanger even discovered it mimicking a maidenhair fern, changing its leaf shape and color.
Rye's Domestication
- Rye wasn't always a human food crop.
- It was a weed in wheat fields that, through Vavilovian mimicry, became edible over time.
Plant Awareness
- Plants demonstrate awareness of their environment through touch and sound.
- They respond to vibrations and even specific sounds like caterpillar chewing.