In a groundbreaking study, researchers in the stunning Dolomites have revealed astonishing new evidence that trees engage in group cognition and communication—particularly evident during solar eclipses.

The research team observed a remarkable phenomenon: as the eclipse approached, trees began to synchronize their bioelectrical signals up to 14 hours beforehand, and intriguingly, this synchronization was led by the oldest trees in the forest.

Published in Royal Society Open Science, the study highlights not only the essential role that ancient trees play within their ecosystems but also how deeply interconnected trees are with their environment.

Employing specially designed, low-power sensors scattered throughout the forest, a multidisciplinary team from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia captured simultaneous bioelectrical activities across multiple trees.

All living organisms transmit electrical signals through charged molecules traveling within their cells, collectively known as an organism's 'electrome.' In this captivating experiment, the team aimed to understand how trees might respond to the awe-inspiring event of an eclipse.

According to lead researcher Professor Alessandro Chiolerio, this study revealed a deeper synchronization among trees that isn't reliant on physical exchanges—suggesting a more intricate network at play. 'We now see the forest not merely as a collection of individual entities, but as an orchestra of phase-correlated plants,' he noted.

Remarkably, the electrical activities among the trees became noticeably synchronized both before and during the eclipse. The two older trees, each approximately 70 years old, responded significantly earlier compared to a younger tree, indicating they may possess keen mechanisms to sense and react to such occurrences.

Additionally, bioelectrical waves were detected traveling between the trees, demonstrating an intricate web of communication. The researchers also found that stumps from storm-damaged trees exhibited synchronized bioelectrical activity at a lower level, revealing that these trees, though fallen, were still part of the network.

Co-author Monica Gagliano points out that this phenomenon exemplifies the 'wood wide web' in action and reinforces the critical importance of protecting ancient trees. 'They can't simply be replaced. These venerable giants hold ancestral memories vital for resilience and adaptation within their ecosystems,' she explains.

This captivating research not only sheds light on the mysterious communication methods of trees but also ignites discussions about forest conservation strategies.