Abstract

GRANADOS-SANCHEZ, D.; RUIZ-PUGA, P.  and  BARRERA-ESCORCIA, H.. Ecology of herbivory. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2008, vol.14, n.1, pp.51-64. ISSN 2007-4018.

In this work is analyzed how a deer feeds from shrubs or how a mice feeds from seeds. Both practice a form of predation named herbivory. The fact is that to feed on plants has consequences on survival, both on plants and herbivores. The removal of plant tissues, bark, stems and sap influences the capacity of the plant to survive, despite not all of it is consumed. Also is studied that despite a plant cannot escape from their herbivore enemies, it can defend itself chemically. Many plants attract, resist or inhibit to other organisms producing special chemical substances, known as secondary metabolites. Also is pointed out that the primary products are substances such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, all produced and utilized by the living organisms. However, plants can have so many differences in their secondary products, as in their external aspect.

Keywords : plants; herbivores; secondary metabolites; defence.