Plant behaviour: an evolutionary response to the environment?. (17th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, A.; Memo, M.; Mastinu, A.
• Editors: Wicke, S.
• Is Part Of: Plant biology. Volume 22:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 961
• Page End: 970
• Publication Date: 2020-08-17
• Subjects: Plant behaviour -- plant ecology -- plant signalling -- plant–animal interaction; Botany -- Periodicals; Plants -- genetics -- Periodicals; Plants -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Plant Proteins -- Periodicals; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/plb.13149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1435-8603

Abstract

Abstract: Plants are not just passive living beings that exist in nature. They are complex and highly adaptable species that react sensitively to environmental forces/stimuli with movement, morphological changes and through the communication via volatile molecules. In a way, plants mimic some traits of animal and human behaviour; they compete for limited resources by gaining more area for more sunlight and spread their roots underground. Furthermore, in order to survive and thrive, they evolve and 'learn' to control various environmental stress factors in order to increase the yield of flowering, fertilization and germination processes. The concept of associating complex behaviour, such as intelligence, with plants is still a highly debatable topic among researchers worldwide. Recent studies have shown that plants are able to discriminate between positive and negative experiences and 'learn' from them. Some botanists have interpreted these behavioural data as a form of primitive cognitive processes. Others have evaluated these responses as biological automatisms of plants determined by adaptation to the environment and absence of intelligence. This review aims to explore adaptive behavioural aspects of various plant species distributed in different ecosystems by emphasizing their biological complexity and survival instincts. Abstract : The plants acquire information, "memorize" and "learn" and make intelligent choices based on their ecological experiences.