Plant Adaptations
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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.
Read more about this topic: Antipredator Adaptation
Famous quotes containing the word plant:
“The mode of clearing and planting is to fell the trees, and burn once what will burn, then cut them up into suitable lengths, roll into heaps, and burn again; then, with a hoe, plant potatoes where you can come at the ground between the stumps and charred logs; for a first crop the ashes suffice for manure, and no hoeing being necessary the first year. In the fall, cut, roll, and burn again, and so on, till the land is cleared; and soon it is ready for grain, and to be laid down.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)