Question

Which of the following is not an example of a plant defense against herbivory? A) nicotine B) cryptic coloration C) spines D) thorns E) strychnine

Answer 1

Answer:

B) cryptic coloration

Explanation:

The plants have developed numerous different types to protect themselves from the herbivores because they tend to damage them or even totally destroy them. The development of certain chemicals that are unpleasant or poisonous for the herbivores is one of the defense mechanisms, like the development of nicotine or the highly toxic strychnine. Also, physical defense mechanisms that hurt the herbivores like the spines or thorns have been developed, making the herbivores think twice before they try anything as they can get hurt because of them. The cryptic coloration though is not a defense mechanism of the plants, but instead it is a defense mechanism that is used by the animals. This type of coloration is protecting the animals as it managed to blend them in with the environment, thus it is very hard to spot them, or it makes their shape much different in the eyes of the predators thus confusing them.