Plant Defenses against Predators

By: Jordan DiNardo and Kimmi Tamashiro

Types of Defenses Chemical Defenses Mechanical Defenses Mimicry and Camouflage Indirect Defenses Leaf shedding and color

Chemical Defenses•Plant release chemicals that play a major role in defenses against herbivores. • Qualitative

metabolites• Quantitative

metabolites

Mechanical Defenses•External structural defenses that protect plants from herbivores• Wax covering the

epidermis of the plant• Production of sap• Sharp spines or trichome

covering the plant•Thigmonasty

Mimicry and Camouflage

•Some plants mimic the presence of insect eggs on their leaves, dissuading species from laying their eggs there.

Indirect Defenses•When attacked by chemicals, plants give off a chemical that contains an abnormal ratio of volatiles. •Plants also provide housing and food items for natural enemies of herbivores, which protect them. This process is called a “biotic” defense mechanism.

Leaf Shedding and Color

•Leaf shedding is a form of response that provides protection against diseases and certain pests to the plant.