Plants more likely to be 'eavesdroppers' than altruists when tapping into underground networks, study finds

Plants more likely to be 'eavesdroppers' than altruists when tapping into underground networks

A new study has used a modelling approach to show that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attack. Instead of using their communication networks to transmit warning signals, the findings suggest it is more likely that plants 'eavesdrop' on their neighbors.

Plants use underground networks to ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbors

The findings suggest that plants are more likely to passively “eavesdrop” on their neighbors through shared fungal networks.

Plants more likely to be 'eavesdroppers' than altruists when tapping into underground networks, study finds

A new study led by the University of Oxford has used a modeling approach to show that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attack. Instead of using their communication networks to transmit warning signals, the findings suggest it is more likely that plants "eavesdrop" on their neighbors. The study has been published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Previously, scientists thought that plants warned each other of impending danger, but the truth could be much more devious. Land plants can communicate with each other via a complex, underground network of fungi, also known as the ‘wood wide web’. This network is created by mycorrhizal fungi forming a symbiotic bond with the roots […] More science? Read the latest articles on Scientias.nl .

Study shows plants are more likely to be ‘eavesdroppers’ than

A new study led by the University of Oxford has used a modelling approach to show that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attack. Instead of using their communication networks to transmit warning signals, the findings suggest it is more likely that plants ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbours. The study has been published this week in the

Plants: More Eavesdroppers than Altruists in Underground Networking

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford has illuminated the complex and often misunderstood dynamics of communication among plants. The findings, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), suggest that plants are less likely to engage in altruistic behavior, such as warning their neighbors of impending threats, and are more inclined to eavesdrop on the signals transmitted …