Scientists have discovered that nematode worms spontaneously build towering structures in the wild, a cooperative behavior previously only observed in lab settings. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute and the University of Konstanz observed these 'superorganisms' forming on fallen fruit in German orchards. This challenges the earlier belief that tower formation was a competitive survival strategy. The towers, acting as a form of mass transit, allow efficient movement across the environment. Further experiments showed similar tower-building in other nematode species, suggesting this cooperative behavior may be widespread.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.