Name important defence mechanisms in plants against herbivores.
Defence mechanisms of plants against herbivorous animals: Formation of thick cuticle on their leaf surface. Formation of leaf spines, e.g. leaf spines in opuntia Modification of leaves into thorns, e.g. Bougainvillea and Duranta Development of spiny margins on leaves. Development of sharp silicated edges in leaves. Many plants produce and store toxic chemicals which cause discomforts to herbivores, e.g. cardiac glucoside by Calotropis, nicotine by tobacco.
