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The Big Idea

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A big idea that shapes how we understand our place in the world - from the idea’s creator.

What are the big ideas shaping our world?  This new series from the BBC World Service picks the best ideas from economics to psychology, neuroscience to philosophy, political science to anthropology, and makes them easy to digest.

Each episode of "The Big Idea" outlines the important idea through the words of the person who’s developed the theory. In just nine minutes we offer a weekly chance to listen and feel just a little bit wiser.

The Big Idea: The intelligent tree

Have we Underestimated Plants?

25/08/2018 GMT

The intelligent tree

BBC World Service - The Big Idea, The intelligent tree

Are trees intelligent? Yes, according to one of the world’s leading tree researchers.  Listen to her amazing discoveries.

Are trees intelligent? We think of humans as intelligent – maybe animals too.  But vegetation?  Well, one of the world’s leading tree researchers, Suzanne Simard, insists that trees should be seen as intelligent.  They communicate with each other.  They help each other.  They are even able to distinguish between their offspring and stranger trees.  She calls the network of tree communication the wood wide web.  And she believes that her discoveries should alter our relationship to trees, woods and forests.

Presenter: David Edmonds 
Producer: Ben Cooper

(Photo: US-Fall-Shenandoah, Credit: Getty Images)

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