Caterpillar on Dutchman's Pipe | The Cove Forest

The defense compounds of plants generally provide protection from many, but not all, herbivores. Over time, one or more herbivores may

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SC LIFE / The Cove Forest / 12. Summer Growth

Close-Up of Wood Nettle Stem | The Cove Forest

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Grades

Close-Up of Wood Nettle Stem | The Cove Forest

Episode 1

Hairs, spines and thorns occur on leaves and/or stems of certain plants. These mechanical defenses may provide some protection from larger herbivores, such as deer, as well as small insects, such as...

Close-Up of Oak Leaves | The Cove Forest

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Grades

Close-Up of Oak Leaves | The Cove Forest

Episode 2

The most effective defense against herbivores are chemicals. Leaves, stems and roots often various chemicals that deter herbivores. For example, oaks have bitter-tasting chemicals called tannins that...

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Grades

Dense Leafy Plant | The Cove Forest

Episode 4

Leaves often show signs of some damage by herbivores, but only rarely are most or all of the leaves on a given plant eaten. As a result, green leafy plant tissues is abundant in cove forests during...