By Shira Hertzberg
Have you ever walked through a forest and wondered what was happening beneath the surface? As it turns out there is a whole universe of connection. Quaking Aspens are long slender trees that grow in groves. They can communicate danger, support each other, and distribute resources through their shared root systems. So how does that work? Incredibly, groves are formed by genetically identical clone trees that all stem from one parent tree’s roots. The shared root systems allow Aspens to support each other like a community. If resources are scarce, Aspens can communicate to distribute nutrients to the trees that need it most. If one of the trees in the colony is damaged the Aspens will signal to send additional nutrients or more shoots to regenerate the area. When Aspens are united, they are strong and resilient the same way people are when brought together.
One of the largest living organisms in the world, Pando, is a Quaking Aspen Grove in Utah. Pando stretches across 106 acres while still being connected to one root system. However, Pando is now under threat by grazing animals. Aspens are extremely resilient but when their shoots are eaten down too much they cannot bounce back. Humans are responsible for killing off the crucial predators that keep the grazing animals in check. When a key species is removed, the ecosystem’s intricate balance is thrown off and it is not easily repaired. Attempts have been made to keep the grazing animals out, but this plan to counteract the damage has the potential to cause more. The grazing animals are slowly destroying Pando, but removing them too has the risk of further throwing off the ecosystem.
Often, the competition seen in nature is pointed out to justify a dog-eat-dog world. If humans are more powerful than almost all plants and animals, why should people care what happens to them? Aspens tell a different story, they thrive off mutual support and cooperation. What would happen if our world followed suit?
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How the Roots of Plants Interconnect: Why is It Important? | Envynature
Shared Roots and Survival in the Quaking Aspen – BYU Life Sciences
The biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to death. Can it be saved?