GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Plants versus Herbivores

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Infection and Response Plant Disease

Plants versus Herbivores

2:28 Plant Defences
Spec 4.3.3.2
Previous Chemical Plant Defences Next Plant Diseases
  • Plants have developed mechanical defenses to avoid being eaten.
  • Without these adaptations, plants would quickly die out.
  • Some plants use mimicry, such as the passion fruit plant which has spots resembling butterfly eggs to deter butterflies from laying eggs there.
  • This mimicry reduces the likelihood of caterpillars feeding on the plant.
  • Other plants have leaves that curl or droop when touched, making it difficult for insects to consume them, such as the mimosa pika plant.
  • Many plants have physical barriers like thorns, spines, or tiny hairs:
  • Blackberry bushes have thorns to deter animals.
  • Cacti have spines to protect themselves and conserve water.
  • Tomato plants have tiny hairs on their stems to prevent insects from landing and feeding.

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