Key differences, features, and comparative analysis of Type of defence and Mechanism.
| Type of defence | Mechanism | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Morphological | Physical deterrent | Thorns — Acacia, Cactus (most common morphological means) |
| Chemical | Make the herbivore sick, inhibit feeding or digestion, disrupt reproduction, or kill | Calotropis produces highly poisonous cardiac glycosides — which is why cattle and goats never browse it |
| Chemical (commercial) | Extracted by humans at commercial scale, but evolved as anti-herbivore defences | Nicotine, Caffeine, Quinine, Strychnine, Opium |
This comparison table is part of the chapter notes for Organisms and Populations. Get complete notes, flashcards, active recall sheets, and test prep modes: