Moreira et al. 2025

In this study, we provide a novel test of contrasting ontogenetic trajectories in plant defense as a function of herbivory history by analyzing defensive traits across six island systems—three with a history of vertebrate herbivores (now extinct: New Zealand, New Caledonia, Mauritius) and three where such consumers have been historically absent (Canary Islands, Azores, Californian Channel Islands). We selected ten native woody plant species per system and measured leaf toughness, phenolic content, and nutrient levels in both juvenile and adult individuals of each species.