This short video shows the uncanny ability of a slime mould to solve mazes. Strictly speaking, slime moulds do not belong to the kingdom of fungi, so I hesitated at first whether I should write about them at all. They were however once classified as fungi because some of them propagate by spores and form fruitbodies. So, for the purposes of the blog, they can be regarded as honorary fungi, and I'll leave it at that.
Slime moulds solve mazes by following a simple stimulus-response system based on chemical signals, so their "intelligence" is very similar to that of an anthill or a beehive. It is lots of dumb elements following a few simple rules, resulting in very complicated behaviour and powerful problem-solving ability. I just wish it'd work for activity known as "Friday night"...
Enjoy the video, and Friday, and I'll be back next week!
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