Because plants cannot move to escape danger, many have developed defense mechanisms. Most plants today have one or more defenses that include poisons, physical structures (tough branches; sharp, pointy leaves; spikes; or thorns), irritants (such as hairs, prickles, or oils that annoy the skin), and bad flavors (that can cause stomach pain and diarrhea). These defenses ward off predators (animals that want to eat them) and some defenses protect them from invading diseases. For example, waxy or tough leaves make it hard for bacteria or fungi to get into the plant. In addition, many bacteria and fungi rely on water to live, move, and reproduce. If the plant’s leaves shed water quickly, it is less likely that a disease-causing pathogen will be able to make its way into the plant.
- Does a Venus flytrap really snap up live flies?
- Is the Amazing Flynapping Arum of Sardinia a circus performer?
- Which plants drown bugs?
- How do carnivorous plants digest their prey?
- What are carnivorous plants?
- What is an asteroid?
- Are all flowers fragrant?
- Which flowering plant can you float on?
- Which is the smallest flower in the world?
- What it the largest flower in the world?
- Can you eat flowers?
- Do all flowers close up at night?
- What makes a plant bloom at the right time of year?
- Why are so many flowers brightly colored?
- What is the difference between annual, perennial, and biennial flowers?
- When did the first flowers bloom?
- What are comets?
- What is the difference between a bulb, a corm, and a tuber?
- Are there plants that do not grow from seeds?
- What is the difference between self pollination and cross pollination?
