Unlocking Nature’s Hidden ‘Internet’: What We’re Discovering About the Earth’s Secret Communication Network

In nature, communication happens all around us. Animals, plants, and even tiny microbes send out signals, react to smells, and adapt to temperature changes. These interactions guide their actions, although we often can’t see them.

A recent study, led by Dr. Ulrich Brose from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, sheds light on this fascinating web of interactions. The researchers describe it as the "Internet of Nature," showing how ecosystems are not just about physical connections but also about the flow of information between species. This new perspective could change how we understand ecology.

Traditionally, ecologists focused on food webs, tracking who eats what and who pollinates which flowers. This approach was helpful but lacked critical insights about communication. The new research emphasizes that information-sharing is essential in ecosystems, affecting how species interact, move, and survive.

Dr. Brose explains that understanding nature without considering information exchange is like trying to understand human trade without acknowledging the internet. In reality, ecosystems are complex networks of beings that share signals and adapt based on what they "hear" and "see."

The study identified three types of information signals in nature:

1. Trophic Signals: These are the cues species exchange in predator-prey relationships, like when wolves track elk using visual signs or scents.
2. Explicit Information Signals: Think of a hyena observing a vulture circling above. It understands that the bird may lead it to food, despite no direct interaction.
3. Environmental Signals: These come from physical surroundings, like temperature changes prompting moths and chameleons to behave differently.

When these signals break down, ecosystems struggle to cope. For instance, if an invasive species disrupts communication channels, animals may fail to avoid danger or find resources, leading to instability.

Human activities pose a significant threat to these natural systems. Pollution, bright lights, and loud noises interfere with signal transmission. According to co-author Dr. Myriam Hirt, roads and industrial activities disrupt the communication ants use for navigation and survival. Such disruptions can cause drastic changes in behavior, reproduction, and overall ecological balance.

To truly protect nature, conservation efforts must focus not only on preserving habitats but also on maintaining the information flows that species depend on. Experts suggest that we need more studies on sensory ecology, documenting how animals and plants communicate.

This understanding challenges our view of nature as merely a collection of organisms and instead highlights it as a dynamic network of life. By fostering the "Internet of Nature," we can promote biodiversity, ensuring ecosystems remain resilient and thriving.

The full study is available in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.

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