Throughout the history of the science
fair, many a student has tackled the question: "How do different
types of music affect the growth of plants?" It turns out that
might be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding
the way a plant interacts and reacts to stimulus. A study out of the
University of Missouri has shown that plants use their ability to
detect certain vibrations, such as those caused by being chewed on by
a predator, to increase their production of chemical defenses. Heidi
Appel, a plant biologist and Rex Cocroft, who studies insects,
collaborated to study how plants "hear" their predators.
They found that plants produce more defense chemicals when they
experience the exact vibrations caused by the chewing of a
caterpillar. Other vibrations or motion of the plant, such as wind
blowing, or vibrations caused by insects making sounds did not cause
the plant to increase defenses. The plant was able to differentiate
between a harmful vibration and an innocuous one. This is just one
small peek into the intricate relationships found in the plant and
animal world. Studies like these could certainly help us understand
how to help defend plants and crops more naturally. It will be
fascinating to see what else we will learn!
Read more:
Video about this study:
Plant Activities for Kids:
The classic "How do different
types of music affect the growth of plants?" Science Fair
Project
Plant games and activities from the
National Forest Service, U.S. Botanical Garden and more!
Indoor plant experiments for kids
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