SELF DEFENSE BY PLANTS &

ANIMALS THROUGH
CHEMICAL WARFARE
Made by - Dhriti, Jayshree, Abhinav, Abhiram, Keertan,
Rohan
 Various chemical self defense mechanisms
One of the most common strategies employed by plants is chemical warfare, where they
produce and release chemicals that can deter or harm potential attackers.
Here are some examples of chemical defense mechanisms used by plants:
i. Toxic compounds - Plants can produce toxic compounds that deter herbivores from
feeding on them. For example, some plants contain alkaloids, such as nicotine and
caffeine, which can be toxic to insects and animals.
ii. Essential oils - Many plants produce essential oils, which often contain antimicrobial
and antifungal properties.
iii. Resin and latex - Some plants produce resin or latex, which can be sticky and trap
insects or other small organisms that come into contact with it.
iv. Phytotoxins- Certain plants release phytotoxins to inhibit the growth of neighboring
plants, reducing competition for resources.
 Self defense of plants through chemical warfare
 Medicinal properties: Some plant chemicals have insecticidal or antimicrobial properties,
serving as natural pesticides or antibiotics.
 Allelopathy: Plants release chemicals to inhibit neighboring plant growth, reducing
competition for resources.
 Induced defenses: Plants activate defense mechanisms by producing chemicals when
attacked by herbivores.
 Communication: Volatile compounds emitted by plants signal nearby plants to activate
defenses against threats.
 Coevolution: Plants and herbivores engage in an ongoing "arms race," leading to the
evolution of complex chemical defense systems.
 Chemical compounds: Plants produce toxic chemicals like alkaloids and phenolics to deter
herbivores.
 Unpalatability: Plant chemicals make them unappetizing or even poisonous, discouraging
herbivore feeding.
 Nettle Plant
 There are some plants such as nettle that have a sting as a defense tool. If a
person tries to touch nettle it leaves a stung the same as a honey bee does.
 When a person touches the leaves of a nettle plant, the stinging hair of nettle
leaves injects Methanoic Acid into the skin.
 It also causes burning pain but can be neutralized by baking soda or rubbing the
leaves of dock plant, which grows beside the nettle plant and is basic in nature.
 Ivy oak is also a poisonous plant which defends itself using chemicals. It
contains urushiol you are likely to develop a rash if you are allergic to this.
 Some plants like Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac also contain urushiol.
 SELF DEFENSE OF ANIMALS
THROUGH CHEMICAL WARFARE
 Honey Bee Stings
 Honey bees are the common animal species that have a special chemical
sting which they use as a defense tool. The bees contain acid in their sting
which they inject into the body of the host. When the bee stings someone,
the bee injects acid which they usually do by pushing their sting in the skin.
 For this reason, the person feels irritation and the skin gets swollen where
the bee bites.
 When a honey bee stings a person, it injects Formic Acid into the skin. For
after care, rubbing a mild baking soda neutralizes the acidic liquid injected
by a bee sting.
 When a wasp stings, it injects an alkaline liquid [Methanoic Acid
(HCOOH)] into the skin causing burning pain. By rubbing mild acid vinegar
on the stung area gives relief.
 Self Defense through chemical warfare - Bees
While bees primarily rely on their stingers as a form of self-defense, they also
possess certain chemical mechanisms to protect themselves.
Here are some examples of the same -
i. Alarm Pheromones: Bees release alarm pheromones to signal danger,
mobilizing other bees for defense.
ii. Venomous Stings: Bees use stingers to inject venom, containing
compounds that cause pain and inflammation to deter threats.
iii. Chemical Camouflage: Some bees release pheromones that confuse and
repel predators, making it harder for them to locate the bee colony. These
chemical defense mechanisms help bees protect themselves and their
colonies from potential harm.
 Ant Bites

 Ant is another insect which contains acid in its body, uses acid to
protect itself from attackers.
 The acid is formic acid (HCOOH) it is a colorless, fuming liquid that is
miscible with water, which is present in its glands and when it stings it is
propelled out in jets
 The pH value of the acid is 2-3.
 To neutralize this acidic effect one is recommended to rub baking soda,
apply toothpaste or a mild base such as calamine solution are common
method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.
THANK YOU!