NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations
What do many plants produce to deter herbivores?
Options
- ABright colors
- BChemicals that make herbivores sick or inhibit their feeding
- CLoud noises
- DRapid growth to outcompete herbivores
Correct answer
B. Chemicals that make herbivores sick or inhibit their feeding
Step-by-step solution
For plants, herbivores are the predators. Nearly 25 percent of all insects are known to be phytophagous (feeding on plant sap and other parts of plants). The problem is particularly severe for plants because, unlike animals, they cannot run away from their predators. Plants therefore have evolved an astonishing variety of morphological and chemical defenses against herbivores. Thorns (Acacia, Cactus) are the most common morphological means of defense. Many plants produce and store chemicals that make the herbivore