Exploring the hidden rhythms in communication of plants and animals

At the interactive stand, we will explore the hidden rhythms of communication among living organisms, focusing on two of the most widespread signal modalities: scents and substrate-borne vibrations — used by species ranging from elephants to insects and even plants. These signals often appear as rhythmic patterns, such as bursts of pheromones or repeating pulses of vibrations, forming a species-specific language of communication.
Visitors will engage their senses by smelling plant and insect scents and feeling and hearing the vibrational rhythms of insect communication. They will also take part in an interactive quiz, matching organisms with their characteristic signals. Through these hands-on experiences, visitors will discover forms of communication that normally remain hidden from human perception. They will learn how natural communication rhythms shift across different timescales — from daily cycles to seasonal changes — and how human activities can disrupt these rhythms, potentially affecting the survival of species.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the existence and importance of communication through signal modalities that largely remain hidden from human perception and to demonstrate how human activities can reduce the survival capacity of organisms by disrupting their communication. The event also seeks to encourage young people to develop a responsible and respectful relationship with nature and to inspire their interest in its active conservation, grounded in new knowledge and a deeper understanding of natural processes.