How do some plants protect themselves from animals and insects?

To keep small predators at bay, many plants have a mat of fine hairs on the surface of their leaves. To deter larger animals some plants have sharp spines or thorns, while others have leaves that sting or are bitter to taste. Cacti spines can be up to 6in (15cm) long.

How do plants defend against herbivores?

Mechanical Defenses The first line of defense in plants is an intact and impenetrable barrier composed of bark and a waxy cuticle. Both protect plants against herbivores. Other adaptations against herbivores include hard shells, thorns (modified branches), and spines (modified leaves).

How do trees protect themselves from insects?

Trees have a number of features that serve as protection: thick bark, thorns, leaf hairs, thick cuticles, and any others. In addition, certain cellular materials may resist decay or may be indigestible by insects.

How do bugs defend themselves?

Spikes and thorns. Some stick insect species have spikes and thorns all over their body. This makes them difficult to be eaten by small predators. Some stick insect species can even pinch with spikes located on their hind legs, sometimes allowing them to fight off a predator.

How do plants defend themselves against microorganisms?

Beyond bark and the waxy cuticle, each plant cell has a cellulose cell wall which acts as another barrier against infection. Some pathogens overcome this barrier by releasing enzymes that soften the cell wall.

Why are herbivores considered the predators of plants discuss any two Defence mechanisms of plants against herbivory?

Several plants have evolved various mechanisms both morphological and chemical to protect themselves against herbivory. (a) Cactus leaves (Opuntia) are modified into sharp spines (thorns) to deter herbivores from feeding on them. (b) Sharp thorns along with leaves are present in Acacia to deter herbivores.

How do plants resist pests?

Physical Barriers Plant structural traits (e.g., trichomes, spinescence, waxy cuticles, sclerophylly) can act as a physical barrier to arthropod pest attachment, feeding and oviposition; the plant cuticle and trichome density are two traits of particular focus in crop protection.

How do trees defend themselves from termites?

Trees cannot actively fight or move away from harm, but that does not leave them defenseless. Trees have a number of features that serve as protection: thick bark, thorns, leaf hairs, thick cuticles, and any others. In addition, certain cellular materials may resist decay or may be indigestible by insects.