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NEETZoologyOrganisms and Populations

A wide variety of chemical substances such as nicotine, caffeine, quinine, strychnine, and opium are extracted from plants on a commercial scale. What is the primary biological purpose for which plants produce these secondary metabolites?

Options

  1. ATo attract insect pollinators for cross-pollination
  2. BAs excretory products stored safely in vacuoles
  3. CAs a chemical defence against grazers and browsers
  4. DTo stimulate rapid vegetative growth during favorable seasons

Correct answer

C. As a chemical defence against grazers and browsers

Step-by-step solution

According to NCERT, plants produce a wide variety of chemical substances such as nicotine, caffeine, quinine, strychnine, opium, etc., primarily as defences against grazers and browsers (herbivores). While humans extract them commercially for various uses, their evolutionary purpose in plants is chemical defence. Answer: As a chemical defence against grazers and browsers

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