Question

How do plants defend themselves against herbivores?

Answer 1

Plants have various mechanisms to defend themselves against herbivores. Some common defense mechanisms include:

1. Physical barriers such as thorns, spines, and tough leaves that deter herbivores from feeding on them.
2. Chemical defenses such as toxins or compounds that make the plant unpalatable or even toxic to herbivores.
3. Trichomes, which are small hair-like structures that can deter herbivores or trap them.
4. Mutualistic relationships with other organisms, such as attracting predators of herbivores or releasing chemicals to signal danger to other plants.