Rooting for swarm intelligence in plants

Researchers argue for a type of vegetative group decision making usually associated with animals

They’re underfoot and underappreciated. But the roots of a plant may demonstrate the remarkable wisdom of crowds just as swarms of honeybees or humans can.

VEGETABLE SMARTS A plant’s roots may turn out to show swarm intelligence, much as honeybees or humans can, sharing information and solving a problem as a group.