Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivory.
Several plant life have developed diverse mechanisms each morphological and chemical to guard themselves against herbivory. (1) Morphological defence mechanisms: (a) Cactus leaves (Opuntia) are changed into sharp spines (thorns) to discourage herbivores from feeding on them. (b) Sharp thorns at the side of leaves are found in Acacia to discourage herbivores. (c) In a few plant life, the margins in their leaves are spiny or have sharp edges that save you herbivores from feeding on them.(2) Chemical defence mechanisms: (a) All elements of Calotropis weeds incorporate poisonous cardiac glycosides, which could show to be deadly if ingested by herbivores. (b) Chemical materials consisting of nicotine, caffeine, quinine, and opium are produced in plant life as part of self- defense.
