Question

the importance of ph in self defence by animals and plants

Answer 1

Bee sting contains methanoic acid which is very painful and thus it protects itself from danger, to get relief baking soda is applied to the affected area. Sting of the hair of the nettle leaves to contain methanoic acid, to neutralise it dock leaves are rubbed in the affected areas. Thus pH helps in the self defense by animals and plants.

Hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

Insects such as bees and ants contain formic acid which is in fact METHANOIC ACID with the formula COOH.

They inject these acids into the surface of the skin which causes irritation and pain.

This can be neutralised by using mild base.


The leaves of the nettle plant also contains the Same formic acid.
The dock plant is basic in nature and usually grows beside the nettle plant and is used to neutralise the effect of the nettle plant.

- Maheshwaran.