Walking through a silent forest can feel peaceful and solitary, but beneath your feet, there’s a bustling, complex conversation happening. Trees are not isolated individuals; they are part of a massive, interconnected community that communicates through a hidden network often called the “Wood Wide Web.”
This network is made of tiny, thread-like fungi called mycelium that connect the roots of different trees, even those of different species. Through this intricate web, trees can share vital resources. A well-established “mother tree” can send sugars and nutrients to smaller, shaded saplings to help them grow. They can also send water to neighbors in need during a drought.
The communication isn’t just about sharing; it’s also about defense. If a tree is attacked by a pest, it can send out chemical signals through the fungal network to warn nearby trees. These neighbors can then ramp up their own chemical defenses to prepare for the incoming threat. It’s a beautiful example of cooperation that reminds us a forest is much more than just a collection of trees—it’s a single, intelligent system.
