For a living being to have intelligence, it must have a central nervous system. But some life forms on Earth behave quite intelligently, even without a central nervous system. For example, this applies to some plants. We are accustomed to treating them as living, but without consciousness. However, according to some scientists, we have become hostage to our own prejudices. For example, environmental chemist Andre Kessler, an employee at Cornell University, and his colleagues argue that the behavior of some plants indicates that they have intelligence and the ability to make decisions.
A plant that may have intelligence. Photo source: wildplantsshimane.jp
Plants can have intelligence
Recently, scientists have begun to reconsider their attitude towards the mental abilities of many living beings. For example, according to the New York Declaration, which was signed by almost 40 scientists from different countries, all vertebrate creatures and even some insects have consciousness.
But Cornell University scientists have gone even further. They believe that some species of flora are able to act and respond to their environment using memory combined with decision-making. They report this in Plant Signaling and Behavior. At first glance, this sounds like science fiction, but the researchers provide serious arguments in favor of this statement. For example, they cite a recent discovery by Kessler's lab as an example.
Goldenrod transmits signals to neighbors when it is attacked by insects. Photo source: news.zerkalo.io
The plant (Solidago altissima) known as goldenrod has the ability to release volatile organic compounds when attacked by leaf beetle larvae. In this way, it misleads the insects, sending a signal that it is spoiled, and the larvae better look for better food. But that's not all, the plant also changes the reflection of red light from the leaves, which is clearly visible even at a great distance.
We can say that this is just a reaction of the plant developed during evolution. However, the reflected light and VOCs released serve as a signal of impending danger to other plants nearby. Having received it, they also go “on the defensive” even before the leaf beetle larva attacks them.
Not only do nearby goldenrods begin to produce protective chemicals, but they also grow faster, the study reports. This suggests that the plant is not only receptive to signals from the environment, but is also able to “anticipate the future” and even prepare for it.
Goldenrod begins to prepare in advance for the «attack» leaf beetle larvae. Photo source: macroclub.ru
Similar behavior is also observed in some other plants, for example, tobacco. And, according to researchers, it fully falls under the concept of “presence of intelligence.” It helps plants survive in their environment.
How plants “make decisions”
Goldenrod most likely does not have nerves capable of transmitting electrical signals, unlike animals. However, plant cells are connected into systems that are capable of transmitting chemical signals. This allows the plant to receive and receive information, as well as respond to it, even without a central nervous system.
According to Andre Kessler, a plant's response to VOCs is more than just a reflex and a fixed set of actions. Plants exhibit “deliberate” behavior changes. The fact is that goldenrod does not change its light emission when there are no other colors nearby. That is, the plant does not send a signal if there is no one to receive it. So the question is not whether goldenrod exhibits intelligent behavior, but — how does he manage to do this without the central nervous system.
Plants do not have a central nervous system, but they may have developed a system for exchanging chemical signals. Photo source: vestitula.ru
It must be said that the ability of plants to exchange signals using VOCs is not news to scientists. This has been known since the 80s. However, most studies were conducted in laboratory conditions, including the study mentioned above. Therefore, it remains to be seen how plants communicate in the wild.
For now, many scientists are still skeptical about the ability of plants to use their own “chemical language” and make decisions based on some kind of intelligence. But, over time, they may also have to change their minds if the announced conclusions can be confirmed in future research.
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Finally, let us remind you of another interesting discovery by scientists. It was recently discovered that plants “scream” during stress. True, we don’t hear this, since they make sounds in the ultrasonic range.