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Stanley D. Beck
Stanley Dwight Beck (October 17, 1919 – July 8, 1997) was an American entomologist who specialized in insect physiology and Plant defense against herbivory, host plant resistance. He became a university researcher after a stint in the navy during World War II. Paralyzed by polio and reliant on a wheelchair from 1952 he continued his research. He worked on insect photoperiodism and wrote two major books ''Animal Photoperiodism'' (1963) and ''Insect Photoperiodism'' (1968). Among his contributions was the successful development of artificial diets for lepidopteran larvae which enabled controlled laboratory experimentation and research on several pest species. After his retirement he published ''Two in the Game'', a novel. Biography Beck was born in Portland, Oregon but grew up in small towns in Washington state. He became interested in insects at a young age and joined Washington State University after earning money by working in a lumber mill for a year with some seasons spent on ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Plant Defense Against Herbivory
Plant defense against herbivory or host-plant resistance (HPR) describes a range of adaptations evolved by plants which improve their survival and reproduction by reducing the impact of herbivores. Plants can sense being touched, and they can use several strategies to defend against damage caused by herbivores. Many plants produce secondary metabolites, known as allelochemicals, that influence the behavior, growth, or survival of herbivores. These chemical defenses can act as repellents or toxins to herbivores or reduce plant digestibility. Another defensive strategy of plants is changing their attractiveness. To prevent overconsumption by large herbivores, plants alter their appearance by changing their size or quality, overall decreasing their consumption rate. Other defensive strategies used by plants include escaping or avoiding herbivores at any time and/or in any place, for example, by growing in a location where plants are not easily found or accessed by herbivores or ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
