READING TEXT
Trees Defend Themselves
You might think trees can’t do anything when they’re attacked by animals or insects. But actually, they have their own ways of protecting themselves. Some trees make their leaves bitter or even poisonous, and others send out strong smells.
Acacia trees in Africa, for example, make their leaves taste bitter when giraffes start eating them. They also warn other trees that they are in danger. They send out a certain type of gas to nearby trees, and those trees make their leaves bitter, too. Another example is eucalyptus trees. They release strong-smelling oil from their leaves. This oil can keep away insects and animals that might eat the leaves.
You might think trees can’t do anything when they’re attacked by animals or insects. But actually, they have their own ways of protecting themselves. Some trees make their leaves bitter or even poisonous, and others send out strong smells.
Acacia trees in Africa, for example, make their leaves taste bitter when giraffes start eating them. They also warn other trees that they are in danger. They send out a certain type of gas to nearby trees, and those trees make their leaves bitter, too. Another example is eucalyptus trees. They release strong-smelling oil from their leaves. This oil can keep away insects and animals that might eat the leaves.