A subtle game of diplomacy

In most cases, conflicts between individuals of the same or different species in an ecosystem are not good for anyone. Firstly because there is always a share of uncertainty about the outcome. And secondly, because any confrontation involves consumption of energy and matter that is most effective if applied in other functions or activities.

When it is possible to avoid a conflict it is best to do it. After many millions of years, plants and animals have developed various methods in order to minimize clashes. To do this, since ancient times, living beings have resorted to diplomacy.

They give off subtle signs through which they announce their presence to other organisms which in turn give back analog signals.

From that moment on a process of «negotiation», disabling much of the potential conflicts, is triggered.

Anyways, there are many situations where the «confrontation» is inevitable, one or both parties feel they have no alternative, either by territorial or purely physiological reasons.

However, these cases are a minority.

In nature, bargaining is the rule.

Forms of communication

To effectively negotiate appropriate forms of communication, signals can be sent and received by all parties involved. Animals, which generally move, can communicate through movements or sounds (issued by some of its moving parts). The plants, being relatively immobile, have to resort to other methods.  Common forms of communication of plants (shared with animals) are the scents and smells. Some substances are normally emitted in small amounts and those can be detected by other organisms, indicating the presence of that plant (or animal).

In some cases the signals produce attraction (eg, the scent of flowers to pollinating insects) and in others, rejection.

Plants also communicate by emitting chemical compounds within the soil, either from the roots, underground stems or even from fallen leaves. In all cases the messages generate some type of response in the organisms that surround the emitter.

Besides chemical communication systems, plants have the ability to emit signals using other physical-chemical methods.

One of them is electromagnetism (EM).

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 From the book "Peoples, Drugs and Serpents", Danilo Anton, Piriguazu Ediciones.