Plants are living beings that we usually consider static and passive. We know they are there, but since they do not interact with us, we do not pay much attention to them. However, more and more research speaks of an interesting dimension of these living beings: the plant intelligence.
Yes, although it may be difficult to believe, plants have complex systems that allow them to communicate with each other. They also have memory and develop adaptive responses.
The silent language of plants
Look at the plants you have at home, do you notice anything? Surely not, but a conversation is taking place around you that you are not aware of. This is what is known as chemical communication or silent language, and it is one of the most important manifestations of plant intelligence.
Plants are capable of releasing different chemicals in reaction to certain situations. These molecules They expand and are received by other plants, who are thus informed about what is happening.
In this way, if a plant is being attacked by a pathogen, the chemical compounds that releases warn their closest companions of what is happening, so they can take measures to protect themselves.
Plants communicate in a totally different way than other living beings and, as can be seen from the example, their communication system is based on something very simple and absolutely necessary for survival: warn that there is some kind of danger.
This is something we have known for many years, but for some time now we have discovered that the interactions between plants are much more complex than we believed. Because these are capable of sending their messages over long distances. They can do it through the air by releasing chemicals, but also through their roots.
Memory and learning in plant intelligence
Unlike animals, plants do not have a central nervous system, yet they Their memory and learning systems are very complex.
These are mechanisms that allow plants to adapt their responses based on past experiences. This makes them stronger and increases their ability to survive, as we will see below.
Adaptation to environmental stress
If we expose a plant to high temperatures or to a total absence of risk, we observe that it is capable of developing a series of adaptive responses to mitigate the impact of those stress factors.
Think about succulents. They are normally compact plants but, if they do not receive enough light, They can lengthen their stems to capture more sun. This is what is known as etiolation, and is an example of this ability to adapt to environmental stress.
Priming or stressful memory
Priming is a stressful memory phenomenon. If the plant is subjected to conditions in which it is having a difficult time, Molecular and biochemical changes occur in it that will allow you to better deal with similar situations in the future.
That is, the plant not only survives the current stress, but also becomes more resistant and will be able to withstand new future episodes of stress.
Improved defense responses
Plant intelligence drives plants to fight for their survival. As they are able to respond to environmental threats and environmental stress, They become much more resistant.
For example, if a plant has been attacked by a herbivore, in the future it will be able to deploy its defense tools much sooner.
Sensitivity to the environment: adaptation and response
Emotional intelligence is also manifested through the special sensitivity they have. plants in the face of changes that occur in their environment, generating an efficient response.
When you change a pot, It is normal for the plant to look a little more wilted for a few days. But, after a short time, it begins to regain its healthy appearance. This is a clear example that the plant is sensitive to the environment and is affected by changes, but is capable of adapting.
Sensitivity is the driver of responses to environmental stimuli, allowing plants to adjust both their physiology and morphology to face specific challenges.
Let's see some manifestations of this phenomenon:
- Phototropism and gravitropism. Plants have directional responses to both light and gravity. Phototropism drives them to grow towards the light source, while gravitropism regulates growth in response to gravity, causing the roots to develop downward.
- Hydrotropism. It is a directional response to water that naturally causes the roots of the plants grow in the direction of the place where they know they can get water and nutrients.
- Thermotropism. It is responsible for regulating the response of plants to changes in temperature, adjusting growth based on thermal conditions. For this reason, most plants spend the winter in a dormant phase, with minimal or even no growth.
- Closing and opening of stomata. Stomata are small pores located on the leaves. Through them, plants control the exchange of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide and the loss of water through transpiration. Although we are not aware of it, Plants control the stomata and thus have control over these processes.
- Response to abiotic stress. Conditions such as drought, salinity, high temperatures or hours of light received generate abiotic stress that drives plants to accumulate protective compounds. This is something you can modify from the structure of your roots to the growth of the stems or the color of the leaves.
The study of plant intelligence is an exciting field that is allowing us to learn much more about the plants with which we share our lives. And it helps us realize that these living beings, apparently static, They interact much more with the environment than we usually believe. Without a doubt, this is a field in which we still have a lot to learn.