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Plants can’t move, which means them easy targets for hungry animals.  Yet, they aren’t defenseless.  There are tons of weapons scattered about the Plant Kingdom to help them survive.

1. Bark– Some plants have this hard, armor-like outer covering to protect their softer insides.
2. Thorns/Spines/Burs–  Basically, their leaves, stems, or seeds have pointy protrusions.  This makes them dangerous to touch and even worse to eat.  Most animals that try may get a bite, but they’ll suffer for it.
3. Chemical– Some plants release toxic chemicals that range from painful burning to terrible taste to lethal poison.
4. Symbiosis– Some plants have relationships with insects and animals in exchange for protection.  For example, a plant might be home to ants, who keep harmful insects away.
5. Waxy cuticles– This thick layer helps protect against UV radiation, some insects, and various pathogens.
6. Closing Stomates– This tactic is when a plant closes it’s stomates (pores) to prevent diseases from getting inside.
7. Thigmonastic Movement– This is when a plant, or part of it, will curl away or ‘move’ at the slightest touch.  Mostly, it seems to be a plant closing its leaves to protect its sensitive bud.
8. Mimicry– Plants have evolved to resemble other objects such as rocks.  So, they hide in plain sight.
9. Carnivorous Plants– Venus flytrap is the most common example.  They eat insects that could be harmful, which also gives them nutrients.