Plants Hear Chewing Vibrations

Plants don’t have ears—but some can still detect sound. Scientists discovered that certain plants

can respond to the vibrations made by insects chewing nearby. When a caterpillar

starts eating, the vibrations travel through the leaf tissue. The plant detects

these vibrations and quickly increases production of defensive chemicals—making its leaves less

appealing or even toxic. Plants exposed to wind or harmless sounds don’t react

the same way. The response is specific to chewing. This shows plants aren’t passive.

They actively sense their environment and adjust their biology in real time.