On six oceanic island groups, plants showed leaf defenses linked to extinct herbivores, revealing a long evolutionary echo in their traits
Giant herbivores shaped island vegetation and plant defenses long ago. Plants developed tougher leaves and chemical compounds to discourage browsing. Mature plants on these islands showed higher phenolic compounds and thicker leaves. Islands without large herbivores displayed fewer age-specific plant defense differences. Extinct species leave lasting biological signatures in plant traits today.
Giant herbivores shaped island vegetation and plant defenses long ago. Plants developed tougher leaves and chemical compounds to discourage browsing. Mature plants on these islands showed higher phenolic compounds and thicker leaves. Islands without large herbivores displayed fewer age-specific plant defense differences. Extinct species leave lasting biological signatures in plant traits today.
