Why plants grow towards the light. 1  Botany: A Stem's 'Sense of Self' Contributes to Shape. 2  Scientists Discover C4 Photosynthesis Boosts Growth by Altering Size, Structure of Plant Leaves, Roots. 3  Cellulose Goes Off the Rails: Without Microtubule Guidance, Cellulose Causes Changes in Organ Patterns During Growth.
Tasting hairs on the legs of a roach can not only help it determine a food source, but help it avoid pesticides as well. Glycocides -- poison baits mixed with glucose -- were traditionally used to dose the sweet-loving cockroach with lethal toxins.
Some animals do this with size, such as the elephant or buffalo. Some do it with speed, such as the gazelle and antelope. These adaptations come in handy in other ways as well. Having long, strong legs allows them to quickly flee fires and predators or to fight off predators with strong kicks of their hind legs.