Nature has its own "internet" that people are only beginning to understand

German researchers led by Dr. Ulrich Brose have proposed viewing nature as a kind of internet analogue, where species exchange information that influences their behavior and ecosystem structure. This view reimagines traditional ecological concepts, which have primarily focused on the flows of matter and energy.

Scientists have 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 specific ways.

According to the 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