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I N S I D E
THE BALLAD OF GEORGE P. BURDELL 1
BOOKS TO ENGAGE THE WHOLE FAMILY
OUR BIG YELLOW STAR 2
MAKING AN INVESTMENT
ROASTED RADISHES WITH RADISH GREENS 3
AN UNMOVING DEFENSE 4
IN A PLANT’S DEFENSE THE INTERESTING METHODS THEY USE TO FIGHT PREDATORS
Many trees and plants are beginning to bloom, which means that they will soon have to ward off various predators. Most animals have a fight-or-flight response when faced with a dangerous situation, but plants can’t run or physically fight the dangers they face on a daily basis. However, what they lack in claws and teeth, they make up for in chemical and mechanical defenses. EXTERNAL DEFENSES Many of us are familiar with thorns, prickles, and spines, which are all examples of a plant’s physical defense. But many other plants’ physical defenses are not as obvious. Trees protect themselves with thick, hard-to-eat bark, which is comprised of a natural polymer called lignin. Leaves are often coated in a natural wax, which deters most insects and pathogens. Some leaves have trichomes, which are sharp, hair-like features that stab or prick insects’ legs as they try to land or walk on its surface. Trichomes often also release toxins that can cause irritation and inflammation. Some plants contain microscopic, sharp crystals that puncture and inject chemicals into an animal’s mouth once they’ve bitten it. INTERNAL DEFENSES When a plant’s external defense fails, its internal protection takes charge. A plant lacks an immune system; instead, each cell is programmed to defend against any foreign object that comes in contact with it. If an insect or disease attacks the plant,
the plant will thicken its cells walls with waxy plating, close its leaf pores, and kill off sections of itself to preserve the whole plant.
Plants also have unique chemicals that are deadly to insects and microbes, some of which we use today as seasonings, medicine, or drugs. In addition to toxic compounds, plants can release hormones into the air that warn neighboring plants or even attract other insects to kill would-be attackers.
If you’ve decided to plant a garden this year, take some time to find out which natural defenses your plants wield.
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