Biology SL

Chapters

553

Notes

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Theme B - Form & Function

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Biology SL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unique Adaptations How Herbivores And Plants Co-Evolve

331 words

2 mins read

Last edited on 16th Oct 2024

Definition: Animals that dine exclusively on plants.
Key Feature: They've got special physical attributes tailored to their green diet.

Fun Fact: All insect mouthparts have the same family tree! They're homologous, meaning they evolved from the same ancestral mouthparts.
Herbivore Insects Categories
- Biting & Chewing Gang
  - Who's in: Beetles and friends.
  - M.O. (Method of Operation): Jaw-like mouthparts to take a bite, munch, and gulp down leaf bits.
- 🦟 Sappy Sippers
  - Who's in: Aphids and crew.
  - M.O.: Straw-like mouthparts to pierce and sip on sap from phloem sieve tubes in leaves/stems.

Spiky Defense: Think of plants like cacti. Those pointy spines aren't just for looks. Try biting one, and you'll get the point! 🌵
Painful Surprise: Some plants have stings that deliver a "Nope, don't eat me!" message.
Chemical Warfare
- Deadly Dishes: Many plants whip up toxic compounds that discourage herbivores.
- Behind the Science: These toxic treats are called secondary metabolites. The primary ones handle a cell's basic duties, while the secondary ones play defense.
- Hotspot Alert: Seeds! They're like candy bars for herbivores: protein-packed and often rich in starch or oil. To protect these yummy treasures, plants stash lots of toxic compounds here.

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Biology SL

331 words

2 mins read

Last edited on 16th Oct 2024

Definition: Animals that dine exclusively on plants.
Key Feature: They've got special physical attributes tailored to their green diet.

Fun Fact: All insect mouthparts have the same family tree! They're homologous, meaning they evolved from the same ancestral mouthparts.
Herbivore Insects Categories
- Biting & Chewing Gang
  - Who's in: Beetles and friends.
  - M.O. (Method of Operation): Jaw-like mouthparts to take a bite, munch, and gulp down leaf bits.
- 🦟 Sappy Sippers
  - Who's in: Aphids and crew.
  - M.O.: Straw-like mouthparts to pierce and sip on sap from phloem sieve tubes in leaves/stems.

Spiky Defense: Think of plants like cacti. Those pointy spines aren't just for looks. Try biting one, and you'll get the point! 🌵
Painful Surprise: Some plants have stings that deliver a "Nope, don't eat me!" message.
Chemical Warfare
- Deadly Dishes: Many plants whip up toxic compounds that discourage herbivores.
- Behind the Science: These toxic treats are called secondary metabolites. The primary ones handle a cell's basic duties, while the secondary ones play defense.
- Hotspot Alert: Seeds! They're like candy bars for herbivores: protein-packed and often rich in starch or oil. To protect these yummy treasures, plants stash lots of toxic compounds here.

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟