👉 Plants have evolved various defensive mechanisms, one of the most notable being their production of chemical weapons. These secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics, serve as potent deterrents against herbivores and pathogens. For instance, some plants release toxic compounds when damaged, making them unpalatable or harmful to potential attackers. Others may produce physical barriers like thorns or spines, which act as a direct deterrent to herbivores. These chemical and physical defenses are crucial for plant survival, allowing them to thrive in diverse and often hostile environments.
