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A type of tropical milkweed has been
found which has develo
ped a horn-like structure on the tip of its
pollinia sacs, these are the main source of reproduction for this
milkweed, which enables the plant to pollinate more efficiently.
According to the article, this is the first example of a plant
evolving 'weapons' to help it compete to reproduce. Similar examples
in animals would be male stags rutting and bears clawing to attract
females.
I think this is a major step for
plants in biology, The first picture that comes to mind when I hear
'plants weaponizing' is a futuristic, sci-fi, man eating plant. I
know it isn't directly related, but maybe one day.
NOS Themes
Repeatable: Any person, scientist, or group could go and observe this cool phenomenon
I think that is going to really help increase the milkweed population. I wonder if this defense mechanism also helps protect the milkweed from being eaten by predators. Many plants have adapted physical and chemical defenses for protection against herbivores. The first line of defense in plants is usually a physical adaptation such as thorns, bark, or cuticles. The next line of defense is usually a form of chemical protection like toxins or enzymes.
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https://www.boundless.com/biology/plant-form-and-physiology/plant-defense-mechanisms/defense-responses-against-herbivores/
The reproductive aspect of plants is very interesting, especially when you take the term "weaponry" literally. People think of dehumanizing warfare as chemical or biological warfare, but a plant like this could bring about botanical warfare when breeding plants. It could be very possible to breed something like this plant that reproduces efficiently with a toxic plant and introduce it to a new area where it could severely affect insect, animal, or even human populations.
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