Describe some of the means by which a plant might defend itself, bearing in mind that it is 'sessile' (it cannot move around)?

The plant could have structural defence mechanisms such as 'thorns' or 'spines' which could cause damage to the mouth of herbivores so the plant is not eaten. It could also have 'stings' which are little hairs in the form of small tubes with a spherical tip on the top. When an animal brushes against the tip, the spherical tip breaks off and the tube penetrates the skin and causes an itchy irritant to be injected as a warning. An example of this is a stinging nettle.

HG
Answered by Hester G. Biology tutor

2940 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how starch is digested mechanically and chemically from the time we eat it in our mouth until it reaches our small intestine where it's absorbed.


Describe the process of evolution by natural selection


What does speciation mean?


What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences