How plants talk
Chapter 1
The underground fungal network
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Chapter 2
Airborne chemical distress signals
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Chapter 3
Whispers through roots and electricity
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Chapter 4
The dark side of plant gossip
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YOUR GOAL
Master of How plants talk
Ch 2 · Airborne chemical distress signals
Fun Fact
Antelope defense: Acacia trees can produce enough toxic tannin in response to warning gases to kill grazing antelopes.
Glossary
volatile organic compound (noun)
Any carbon-based chemical that easily evaporates into the air at room temperature. In 1983, researchers Ian Baldwin and Jack Schultz discovered that plants release these substances during insect attacks.
Any carbon-based chemical that easily evaporates into the air at room temperature. In 1983, researchers Ian Baldwin and Jack Schultz discovered that plants release these substances during insect attacks.
Quiz
What toxic substance do acacia trees produce to make their leaves taste bitter to predators?
Quiz
What is the main purpose of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by damaged plants?
Quiz
What gas do African acacia trees release to warn their neighbors of grazing antelopes?
Quiz
Within how many minutes can a neighboring acacia tree respond to an ethylene warning signal?
Quiz
How do corn plants determine which specific predatory wasp to attract when attacked?