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[-] cynar@lemmy.world 256 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I was curious and looked it up. Apparently it mostly happens between trees of the same species, with several causes.

Most are mechanical. The tips brush against each other, and damage new branches and leaves. Both trees divert growth away from the area.

Some also sense shading via red light. They focus growth away from shade. This means neither tree grows into the gap, since they are partially shading each other.

It also helps limit the spread of leaf eating parasites. Again, particularly useful in a forest of the same species.

So yes, the trees are social distancing, to avoid the spread of disease.

[-] BedSharkPal@lemmy.ca 39 points 1 year ago

So you're saying the trees can accomplish what humanity never could.

[-] cynar@lemmy.world 18 points 1 year ago

Considering how little conflict we currently have, compared to our population size, we are doing extremely well. Unfortunately, the conflicts remaining are spectacular enough to counter that.

[-] Deceptichum@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

We did a good job down here, sounds like your country must’ve sucked at it.

[-] Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone 3 points 1 year ago
[-] Deceptichum@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago
[-] Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone 2 points 1 year ago

Yeah i thought we went well too.

To be fair though or population density is so low, there's more people in some cities then our country

[-] Deceptichum@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago

But we’re also incredibly urbanised, with basically half our population living in 2 cities alone. That’s more beneficial to a virus spreading than simply population size.

[-] Haagel@lemmings.world 14 points 1 year ago

Trees hella smart.

[-] knorke3@lemm.ee 5 points 1 year ago

balances -> branches* :)

[-] And009@lemmynsfw.com 3 points 1 year ago

I think there's also a corelation on how dense a forest can get because it affects the sunlight in ground too. If it gets too dark then life would rot underneath

this post was submitted on 10 Mar 2024
722 points (99.2% liked)

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