Question

Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.

Answer 1

Several plants have evolved various mechanisms both morphological and chemical to protect themselves against herbivory. (1) Morphologicaldefence mechanisms: (a) Cactus leaves (Opuntia) are modified intosharp spines (thorns) to deter herbivores from feeding on them.

Answer 2

Answer:

A state of feeding on plants is known as herbivory. Many plants have evolved mechanisms both chemical and morphological, to safeguard themselves against the act of herbivory. Listed below are defence mechanisms of few plants:

Chemical defence mechanisms:

Caffeine, nicotine, opium, and quinine are some chemical substances that are produced in plants in response as part of their defence mechanism

All of the parts of Calotropis weeds consists of lethal cardiac glycosides that demonstrate to be fatal if consumed by herbivores.

Morphological defence mechanisms:

Opuntia or cactus leaves are altered into thorns or sharp spines to prevent herbivores from feeding on it

Margins of leaves in some plants are spiny, having sharp edges, preventing herbivores to feed on them

Sharp thorns with leaves are found in Acacia to prevent herbivores from feeding on them