Can creatures without brains still show signs of intelligence? Researchers from Tohoku University and Nagaoka College had this query in mind when conducting a study to measure the decision-making process in fungi. Although it could sound like science fiction, this level of basic cognition is feasible even in fungi.
“You'd be surprised at how capable fungi are,” notes Yu Fukasawa of Tohoku University, “they have memories, they learn and they can make decisions.” Mind blowing.”
Fungi grow by releasing spores, which may germinate and form long spidery threads underground (a mycelium). We often only see tiny mushrooms on the surface without realizing that beneath our feet is an unlimited network of interconnected mycelium. It is thru this network that information could be exchanged, somewhat just like the neural connections within the brain.
The present study examined how wood-decomposing mycelial networks responded to 2 different conditions: wood blocks placed in a circle versus a cross arrangement. For example, if fungi don't exhibit decision-making skills, they simply spread from a central point without considering the position of the blocks. Remarkably, the researchers didn't observe this.
For the cross arrangement, the degree of connection was greater within the outer 4 blocks. It was hypothesized that this was since the outermost blocks could act as “outposts” for the mycelial network to initiate a foraging campaign, thus requiring denser connections. In the circle configuration, the degree of connection was the identical in any given block. However, the circle's dead center remained clear. It was suggested that the mycelial network saw no advantage in overgrowing itself in an already well-populated area.
These results suggest that the mycelial network was in a position to communicate details about its surroundings throughout the network, and alter its direction of growth based on shape accordingly.
Our understanding of the mysterious world of fungi is restricted, especially compared to our knowledge of plants and animals. This research will help us higher understand how biological ecosystems work and the way various kinds of cognition evolved in organisms.
The findings were published in Fungal Ecology on September 12, 2024.