A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Intelligent Behavior in Fungal Mycelia

Abstract

Fungi exhibit remarkably complex behavior through their mycelial networks, which consist of thread‐like structures known as hyphae. Recent research on saprotrophic fungi has demonstrated that their mycelium behaves in ways that indicate memory, learning, decision‐making, and problem‐solving based on spatial pattern recognition—all of which are considered intelligent features. I present a framework to study the behavior of fungal mycelia as an emergent entity from decentralized control of numerous simple reactions at the hyphal level. The framework is based on the concept of swarm intelligence, for which internal communication is the key mechanism. Consistent with Trewavas’ definition, the intelligence of a mycelium is evaluated purely in terms of its behavior and does not presuppose any form of consciousness. The paper also reviews recent findings that support the potential role of electrical signal transfer across the mycelial network as the mechanism that enables fungal mycelia to engage in intelligent behavior. The fungal mycelial network therefore provides a useful model for studying intelligent behavior in non‐neural organisms and its evolution from unicellular to multicellular systems.