A Dutch Life

This is a pretty cool bit of research, it seems plants sharing a pot can recognise if the plant they are sharing it with is a sibling or not:

“When plants share their pots, they get competitive and start growing more roots, which allows them to grab water and mineral nutrients before their neighbours get them. It appears, though, that they only do this when sharing a pot with unrelated plants; when they share a pot with family they don’t increase their root growth. Because differences between groups of strangers and groups of siblings only occurred when they shared a pot, the root interactions may provide a cue for kin recognition.”

Reminds me of something I learned in Africa, tried to find a link on it but couldn’t. There are trees there that when they are being fed on by elephant (or other animals) will increase the production of chemicals that capable of upsetting the animals stomach. This of course is to contribute to the survival of the plant by ensuring it is not completely consumed. The *really* interesting part is that its not just the tree unfortunate enough to be a meal, but all the surrounding trees also start to produce the chemical as well, further ensuring their survival. Who said plants cant talk?

I love this stuff, nature and evolution never ceases to amaze. It’s capacity for creative problem solving humbles the greatest of human innovation.

I do wonder though, where does this leave Vegetarians? James? <sly grin>