Antipredator Adaptation - Plant Adaptations

Plant Adaptations

Many plant species have, over the course of their evolutionary history, developed physical and chemical defense mechanisms to deter herbivores. Thorns, spines, and prickles are examples of physical mechanisms. Stinging nettles for instance are covered in sharp prickles that can inject irritant chemicals. Prickles and spines are not effective against small insects such as aphids however, so some plants, such as some of the Solanaceae, supplement a bristly surface with sticky secretions that trap and kill small pests.

Many Ericas have a sticky perianth, and some Moraeas have sticky peduncles that deter ants from plundering the flowers' nectar without contributing to their pollination. Many plants deter their enemies with repellent tastes or irritating or dangerous poisons in sap or latex. The herbivores in turn developed wide ranges of counter-adaptations.