Researchers have successfully captured the eerie sound of the world’s largest and oldest living organism, a discovery that may send shivers down your spine.
When we think of the largest living creature, colossal whales often come to mind. However, the true behemoth of life is not a creature at all, but a plant named Pando. Residing in Utah, USA, Pando is not just a mere plant; it’s a sprawling forest interconnected through a single root system and sharing identical DNA. Spanning an impressive 40 hectares and reaching heights of up to 24 meters, this ancient forest is estimated to be around 12 thousand years old. Recently, the organization Friends of Pando managed to capture Pando’s haunting voice.
What was going to be a work of art turned into a scientific study
Sound expert Jeff Rice embarked on an experiment by placing a hydrophone in the root’s empty space, allowing him to capture the vibrations caused by wind rustling through the leaves and resonating within the root system. The resulting sound resembled the collective vibration of millions of leaves within the forest.
Originally intended as an art project, Rice’s experiment took a scientific turn, providing invaluable insights into the forest’s health and connectivity without causing harm to its ancient structure. This shift from art to science was prompted by the realization of the data’s potential significance in understanding Pando’s well-being, especially as its health has recently declined.
Rice emphasizes the importance of these sound recordings, suggesting that they may offer insights into the environment’s overall health. The recorded sounds were presented at the 184th American Acoustical Society Summit, offering a glimpse into the mysterious world of Pando.
