Neurophysiology of Behaviour

Abstract

A plant subjected to strong winds exhibits a range of responses, from stunting of growth to physical deformation of the whole plant or wind damage. The greatest limitations on plant growth when exposed to strong winds will be the evaporative lost of water through transpiration, and this will favour growth of the plant on the more shaded side. Plants appear to respond to mechanical stimulation (shaking of the plant) by becoming shorter and sturdier.