Question

Explain any two defence mechanisms plants have evolved against their predators. How does predation differ from parasitism ?

Answer 1

Dear student,

Two mechanisms which plants have evolved against predation -
1) - Thorns - Thorns are the modified shoot which plants evolved for their self-defence against predation because of their prickly nature.
2) Allelochemicals - Plants secretes some secondary metabolites called as allelochemicals which shows deleterious effects on the survival and growth of predators.
The difference between parasitism and predation is that, in parasitism, the parasites remain associated with the host for obtaining food and shelter whereas, in predation, the prey and predator are free living from one another.

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