Plants have evolved a large number of defense mechanisms by which they defend themselves. However, animals are constantly evolving to get around these tactics. The result is that plants and animals (and pathogens) are constantly in a coevolutionary arms race. Some of the plant mechanisms include physical defense, chemical defense, animal guard defense, and escape in time or space.
Many animals in Texas, especially livestock, are affected adversely by toxins each year. Even people are impacted negatively by certain plants that they incorrectly think are healthy for them to eat.
