<b>Differences in leaf herbivory rates of </b><b>laurel</b><b> and </b><b>beech</b><b> tree</b><b>s</b><b> in subtropical evergreen forest are explained by leaf functional traits</b>

Leaf herbivory is a widespread form of biotic stress that affects plant growth, development, and resource allocation. Our understanding of how herbivory affects the functional traits, growth, development, and defense mechanisms of different tree species in subtropical forests remains limited.