Plant Sensitivity
Plant sensitivity refers to the ability of plants to respond to various environmental stimuli, such as light, touch, and gravity. This responsiveness can manifest in different ways, including changes in growth direction, leaf movement, or even the release of chemicals. For example, the Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, quickly folds its leaves when touched, showcasing a rapid response to physical stimuli.
Research has shown that plants can also detect and react to their surroundings, such as the presence of pests or changes in soil moisture. This sensitivity allows them to adapt and survive in their environments. Studies on plant communication, often referred to as plant signaling, reveal that plants can send signals to neighboring plants to warn them of threats, demonstrating a complex level of interaction within ecosystems.