Question

Mention how have plants developed mechanical and chemical defence against herbivores to protect themselves with the help of one example of each.

Answer 1

Plants have developed several mechanical and chemical defence against herbivore such as:

(a) Mechanical defence : Thorns are the most common mechanical means of defence. eg. Acacia.

(b) Chemical defence : Chemicals produced by some plants make herbivore sick when they are eaten, inhibit feeding or digestion, disrupt its reproduction or even kill it. eg. Calotropis producing glycosides.