PLANTS DEMONSTRATE ALTRUISM

Posted on November 13, 2009 by Jeffrey Newman

Scientists, studying the behaviors of plants have now found significant evidence that they can recognize kin and demonstrate altruistic behavior, just as plants can demonstrate competitive behaviors by growing larger leaves, crowding out competition for light. It has long been shown that plants have the ability to sense and respond to other plants. In a paper published in the November issue of The American Journal of Botany, Dr. Susan Dudley discussed studies relating to the Yellow Jewelweed in which it was observed that when nearby plants are recognized as relatives, via root communication, the Yellow Jewelweed allocates its resources to its stem to grow higher, allowing for a sharing of light. However, when nearby plants are not related, the Jewelweed allocates its resources to grow larger leaves, to crowd out competition for the light. Studies are ongoing to learn more about the communication mode.