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How Do Plants Know Which Way Is Up and Which Way Is Down?
- RetroTechie 3y agoPlants can't move (generally). But they're not dumb. Plants are smart: They adapt to their environment. Change CO2 capture strategies depending on temperature, light & water availability. Even more: they can adapt their environment (like, the bacteria community surrounding their roots) to their needs. They can expand into areas most suitable for them. Use fungi to expand their root system 10...100-fold or so. And have those fungi (or bacteria) obtain nutrients from places or materials their roots can't get to. Exchange sugars for nitrogen that bacteria pulled from the air & fixed in nitrogen compounds. Produce a plethora of chemicals to keep pests at bay. Capture & digest insects to obtain nutrients lacking in the soil. So... gravity: not too difficult.