How does plant chemical diversity contribute to biodiversity at higher trophic levels

摘要: Plants, perhaps Earth's most accomplished chemists, produce thousands of specialized metabolites having no direct role in cell division or growth. These phytochemicals vary by taxon, with many taxa producing characteristic substance classes; and within taxa, individual variation structural variety production patterns. Observations corresponding herbivore metabolism, behavior, diet breadth motivated the development chemical ecology research. We discuss importance plant biodiversity general phytochemical diversity particular for ecological interactions at higher trophic levels. then provide an overview descriptive, molecular analytical tools which allow modern biologists to investigate its effects on levels, from physiological mechanisms communities.