News Desk, Biggani.org
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We see trees every day—by the side of the road, in village fields, in city parks, or in our own yards. But have we ever wondered, do they communicate with each other? Or is there any kind of ‘language’ in the world of trees?
At first, it may sound unbelievable, but modern science says, trees do actually communicate with one another—not with sounds or visible language like us, but in their own chemical and physiological ways. Scientists call this method of communication the “Wood Wide Web”—a kind of internet in the world of trees!
The Hidden Network Beneath the Forest
An amazing world operates underground, hidden from our eyes. Here, the roots of trees and fungi form an extraordinary mutualistic relationship. This symbiosis is called “mycorrhiza“.
Fungi join with tree roots to take sugars and other organic substances, and in exchange, supply trees with minerals and water. But it doesn’t end there—the thread-like structures of the fungi, called hyphae, spread far through the soil and connect to multiple trees.
This network can transfer information, chemical signals, and even nutrients from one tree to another. Some call this network the “Wood Wide Web“—creating connections among trees just like the internet does between computers.
Exchanging Signals: The Arrival of an Enemy
This communication among trees is not just for friendship, it is also used to send warning signals during danger.
For example, suppose the leaves of a tree are attacked by an insect. That tree can then send chemical signals underground to nearby trees. Upon receiving those signals, neighboring trees begin to produce special defensive chemicals in their leaves—which help repel the insects.
Some studies have even shown that an attacked tree can emit chemical messages into the air—called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These aromatic compounds warn surrounding trees: “Be alert, the enemy is coming!”
The Story of the Mother Tree
Famous Canadian forest scientist Suzanne Simard has shown in her research that large, old trees—those she calls “mother trees“—supply nutrients to younger trees and even help trees in distress.
Studies have found that mother trees help their own offspring more—just like a mother would. Before dying, a tree can send nitrogen, carbon, and other nutrients to surrounding trees so that they have a better chance to survive.
How Did Scientists Learn This?
To uncover these communication processes, scientists use radioactive tracers, isotope analysis, and advanced soil microbiome research.
For instance, when researchers use a special carbon-13 isotope in one tree, they later detect it in another tree’s body—meaning these substances were exchanged underground.
Do Urban Trees Communicate?
The answer to this question is somewhat complicated. Urban trees are generally more isolated or spaced apart, so natural connections (like the mycorrhizal network) rarely develop among them. However, in parks or green spaces where soil biological activity is rich, such connections may form.
Real-Life Impacts: Agriculture and Forest Management
This discovery is not just for scientists—it has significant practical impacts in real life:
- Sustainable Forest Management: We now know that cutting down a big tree affects not only that single tree, but damages the entire network. This should be taken into account for better forest management.
- Organic Agriculture: The tree-fungi relationship can be used in farming to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This helps move agriculture towards being more environmentally friendly.
- Disaster Response: If the underground network remains intact, when one tree is attacked, others can be prepared in advance—this system could be leveraged to protect crops.
But Do Trees Really Talk?
The answer is, no, trees do not use words like us, but they exchange messages using chemical language, hormones, electric signals, and microbial agents.
This is a kind of “biological communication system”—which is essential for their survival, defense against enemies, and for maintaining social relationships.
Is Any Research Being Done on This in Bangladesh?
Although research on this topic is still quite limited in Bangladesh, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Savar Agricultural Research Institute, and the Department of Botany at Dhaka University have some students and researchers working on soil biology and plant responses.
In the future, to make our environment and agriculture more sustainable, investment and interest in such research need to be increased.
Conclusion
The world of trees is undoubtedly mysterious. Even though they don’t talk, they understand each other, help in times of trouble, and even share nutrients.
We may not notice this conversation, but beneath the soil, through the air, and from leaf to leaf, this “silent language” is always flowing.
Now is the time to see trees not just as sources of shade, wood, or oxygen, but as complex social beings. Protecting them should also be part of our social responsibility.
Did You Know?
- An oak tree, on average, connects with more than 20 neighboring trees in a year.
- The term “Wood Wide Web” was first coined by Dr. Suzanne Simard.
- Trees can also send signals to each other through their leaves, especially when attacked by pests or enemies.
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