Some plants have adaptations that help them survive. Figure 6 shows part of a gorse plant.
How will the sharp spines help the gorse plant survive?
How to approach this question
Think about what an animal, like a sheep or a deer, might want to do to a plant. How would sharp spines make this difficult or painful for the animal?
Full Answer
To deter herbivores / stop animals from eating it.
Plants face the threat of being eaten by herbivores (plant-eating animals). To protect themselves, many plants have evolved physical defenses. Sharp spines, like those on a gorse plant, cactus, or rose, make it difficult and painful for an animal to eat the plant. This deters herbivores and helps the plant to survive, grow, and reproduce.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing defence against herbivores with reducing water loss. While rolled or small leaves can reduce transpiration, the primary function of sharp spines is defence.
Expert