American sound artist and researcher Jeff Rice has recorded acoustic vibrations from the root system of Pando, the largest living organism on Earth.
Pando, located in Utah, spans 43 hectares and consists of 47,000 genetically identical aspen trunks connected by a single root network. It weighs about 6,000 metric tons and is nearly 12,000 years old.
During a storm, Rice placed a hydrophone on an exposed root. The recordings reveal low-frequency rumbles and vibrations traveling through the roots. This is the first documented experiment listening to Pando's acoustic activity.
Scientists say further analysis is needed. The sounds may be mechanical responses or carry biological information about the organism's health.
