What forests can teach us about cooperation

Stephen Lee
Sep 2, 2018 · 2 min read

I thought trees compete for survival in a forest, but I was wrong. They cooperate for survival. What?

I was listening to the TED Radio Hour podcast, Networks, and the host talked something interesting about trees in a forest and their network

Based on Darwinian evolutionary theory, trees compete against each other to be the tallest and receive sunlight for photosynthesis. Then, those who are underneath the taller trees receive less sunlight, become weaker, and potentially die. Then, the genes of those healthy and tall trees pass down to their children and hence maintain the forest kingdom.

However, trees cooperate with each other for survival. Mother trees feed enough sugars from the photosynthesis to keep young trees from dying and healthy trees feed the sick trees as well. But wait. Why?

Forest is a network of trees, and interestingly there are reasons why they cooperate. When the tree is attacked by harmful insects, it sends an electrical signal or a message into the roots so that it alerts other trees that there is a danger. Then, trees supply nutrients to friendly fungi and prepare for the defense. If a sick tree dies and falls down, it opens gaps in the canopy which results in a hotter, drier environment where trees suffer.

In order for their forest to thrive, trees make sure that all members of their community are healthy.

Willingness to be resourceful and help each other to accomplish a common goal help forests to survive and thrive. I believe this applies to relationships, communities, and teams that you build or are part of.

In short, Mother Nature says “be open-minded and willing to share resources if you are part of the network, and grow together like a flourishing forest.”

References:

Stephen Lee

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Avid learner, problem solver, and realistic optimist

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