Describe some of the means by which a plant might defend itself, bearing in mind that it is 'sessile' (it cannot move around)?

The plant could have structural defence mechanisms such as 'thorns' or 'spines' which could cause damage to the mouth of herbivores so the plant is not eaten. It could also have 'stings' which are little hairs in the form of small tubes with a spherical tip on the top. When an animal brushes against the tip, the spherical tip breaks off and the tube penetrates the skin and causes an itchy irritant to be injected as a warning. An example of this is a stinging nettle.

Answered by Hester G. Biology tutor

2817 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the role of ADH in regulating the water content of the blood.


What is coronary heart disease?


State one difference between an animal cell and plant cell


Explain what happens when an impulse arrvies at a junction between two neurones


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences