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Mechanical plant adaptations to prevent damage

Infection and response • Plant disease (biology only)

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Mechanical adaptations are structural traits that directly prevent damage or reduce the likelihood of attack.
  • Physical barriers deter herbivores, leading to less tissue loss and a lower chance of pathogen entry.
  • However, these mechanical defenses come at a cost, requiring resources for growth, and may limit interactions with mutualistic species like pollinators.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Why do mechanical defences lower infection risk?

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Reducing grazing protects tissue integrity and minimizes wounds for pathogen entry.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Mechanical defences act as first-line barriers and reduce pathogen entry.

Thorns and spines deter herbivores by causing pain or injury.

Hairs (trichomes) obstruct pests, secrete deterrents, and modify the leaf's microclimate.

Rapid leaf movements quickly dislodge herbivores and limit feeding opportunities.

Mimicry influences behaviour by resembling eggs or unpalatable species; its effectiveness relies on herbivore recognition.

All mechanical defences entail trade-offs, including resource costs and potential impacts on other functions.

Cause → effect framing highlights how the presence of structural traits reduces damage.

Limiting factors include specificity, energetic costs, and impacts on mutualistic relationships.

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