Question

How do plants defend themselves against herbivores?

Answer 1

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

1. Physical barriers such as thorns, spines, and tough outer layers that deter herbivores from feeding on them.
2. Chemical defenses like toxins and bitter-tasting compounds that make the plant unpalatable or even harmful to herbivores.
3. Indirect defenses such as releasing volatile compounds to attract predators of the herbivores.
4. Structural defenses like producing extrafloral nectaries to attract ants, which in turn protect the plant from herbivores.