Fungi lack eyes and a brain, yet they exhibit intelligent behaviors that might astound you. Recent studies imply that fungi might have the ability to recognize shapes.
Is it possible for creatures without a brain to demonstrate intelligence? This question was the focus of a study conducted by researchers from Tohoku University and Nagaoka College aimed at examining the decision-making abilities in fungi. While this might seem like something out of science fiction, this form of basic cognition is indeed feasible in fungi.
“You would be amazed at what fungi can do,” states Yu Fukasawa from Tohoku University. “They possess memory, they can learn, and they make choices. The way they approach problem-solving is, quite frankly, astonishing when compared to humans.”
Fungi propagate by releasing spores, which have the potential to germinate and create extensive, thread-like networks underground (known as mycelium). Often, we only see small mushrooms growing above ground, unaware of the intricate mycelial network sprawling beneath us. This network allows for the sharing of information, somewhat analogous to neural connections found in brains.
The current research explored how a mycelial network, responsible for decomposing wood, reacted to two distinct arrangements: wood blocks placed in a circular formation versus a cross pattern. If the fungi lacked decision-making capabilities, they would merely expand outward from the center point without regard for the arrangement of the blocks. However, the researchers observed something quite different.
In the cross pattern, the connections were stronger among the outermost four blocks. It was theorized that these outer blocks served as strategic “outposts” for the mycelial network to initiate foraging, necessitating denser connections. In contrast, the circular arrangement exhibited consistent connections at each block. Notably, the very center of the circle remained vacant, indicating that the mycelial network found no advantage in stretching itself too far into an already crowded area.
These observations imply that the mycelial network can relay information about its environment across the entire network and adjust its growth direction based on the layout.
Our understanding of the enigmatic world of fungi is still quite basic, especially in comparison to our extensive knowledge of plants and animals. This study enhances our comprehension of how biological ecosystems operate and sheds light on how diverse forms of cognition developed across different organisms.
The results of this research were published in Fungal Ecology on September 12, 2024.
