Exploring Plant Sensory Responses and Decision-Making Abilities

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Plants have receptors similar to human touch receptors, sending electrical impulses to interpret and respond to stimuli. The Mimosa plant uses a defense mechanism to deter animals or insects from touching it. Plants exhibit decision-making abilities through experiments like growing towards light and air movement, showing flexibility and the ability to adapt. Those plants that successfully make decisions ensuring their survival pass on their genes, contributing to evolution.

Artificial intelligence is powerful, but what about natural intelligence? This hour, TED speakers explore the intrinsic genius in animal language, insect behavior, plant anatomy and our immune system. Guests include neuroscientist Greg Gage, computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, social psychoneuroimmunologist Keely Muscatell and environmental researcher Karen Bakker.

We want to dedicate this episode to Bakker who passed away in August 2023, only a few months after giving her TED Talk. Her research and legacy continue to inspire.

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