Amazing facts about nature

Did you know?

Trees have the ability to communicate with each other

 

Another mind-blowing fact about nature and the natural world is that trees can communicate with each other. Whilst they don’t use words, they communicate through a complex network of fungi called mycorrhizal networks.

 

This is a network of fungi which connects the roots of neighbouring trees in a web of symbiotic relationships – dubbed by some as the “wood wide web“.

 

It is believed that through this network trees share nutrients, warnings about pests, and even support weaker members of their community – meaning that each tree plays its part in ensuring the well-being of the entire forest. A metaphor for us all, if ever there was one.

 

Honey Bees dance to Communicate with each other

 

Whilst we humans communicate with each other chiefly through the spoken and written word, honey bees have an altogether more interesting form of communication. What is it? The medium of dance.

 

Known as the “Waggle Dance“, a bee performs this complex dance to let other honey bees know the exact direction, distance and quality of flowers. This helps other bees find the pollen and nectar they need. If that wasn’t fascinating enough, scientists have learned that it is in part learned by young bees as they observe more experienced bees.

 

Crows Remember Faces

 

Researchers have found that crows can recognise individual human faces. It is believed that crows learn to recognise threatening humans from both their parents and others in their flock.

 

Ornithologists believe this gives corvids the evolutionary edge. One researcher, Dr Marzluff said “If you can learn who to avoid and who to seek out, that’s a lot easier than continually getting hurt. I think it allows these animals to survive with us and take advantage of us in a much safer, more effective way.”

 

15% of UK Wildlife is threatened with extinction

 

In 2019, 70 environment and nature-based organisations produced “State of Nature”, the most comprehensive report on wildlife species in the UK yet. They studied 8,431 species using the Red List criteria: a system to classify species at high risk of extinction. 15% were classified as threatened whilst 2% are extinct.

 

Turtle Dove's are almost extinct

 

Turtle Dove’s are on the Red List. Their population is continually decreasing and it is estimated that during their migration routes, 2 to 4 million turtle doves are shot and killed for sport each year. In the UK, they’ve fallen from an estimated 125,000 pairs to 45,000 pairs. Their main food source (weed seeds) and habitats have been ravaged as a result of intensified farming.