21 Apr , 11:37
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German scientists revealed the "natural internet": ecosystems exchange information similar to a global network. A research group led by Dr. Ulrich Brose proposed a revolutionary view of natural interactions that goes beyond traditional concepts of energy and matter flows in ecology.
Scientists identified three types of information signals in nature. The first type is related to trophic connections between predators and their prey - for example, wolves track moose by their tracks, and moose respond to threats by gathering in herds.
The second type of signals are purely informational interspecies interactions that occur without physical contact. For example, hyenas observe the behavior of vultures to determine where food might be located.
The third category concerns signals from the environment, such as temperature or light levels, to which organisms respond in certain ways.
According to scientists, such information flows play a key role in the spread of ecological disturbances and threats - from forest fires to the emergence of invasive species - emphasizing the importance of all forms of interaction in nature.
Source: Gismeteo.ru