Plants raise chemical alarm to protect 'family'

PlantsPlants send out SOS signals when they are under attack. If insects are feeding on them, some plants emit volatile chemicals that attract enemies of the insects. Neighbouring plants not being eaten also send out distress signals to call in these "bodyguards". Neighbouring undamaged plants emit the secondary signal probably to help the damaged plants.

Source: New Scientist
Image: Victor Nuno / Flickr
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