Trees Show Remarkable Timing to Outsmart Caterpillar Infestations
Photo: Erda Estremera / Unsplash
Oak trees demonstrate an impressive adaptive strategy, delaying their leaf growth by several days when caterpillar populations spike—a clever defense mechanism that protects them from defoliation. German researchers discovered this self-protective behavior using satellite data, revealing how plants actively respond to threats from the previous year's infestations.
Oak trees demonstrate an impressive adaptive strategy, delaying their leaf growth by several days when caterpillar populations spike—a clever defense mechanism that protects them from defoliation. German researchers discovered this self-protective behavior using satellite data, revealing how plants actively respond to threats from the previous year’s infestations.