Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
Comment on "Why are there so many species of herbivorous insects in tropical rainforests?"
David A Norton1, Raphael K Didham
1School of Forestry, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Novotny et al. (Reports, 25 August 2006, p. 1115) argued that higher herbivore diversity in tropical forests results from greater phylogenetic diversity of host plants, not from higher host specificity. However, if host specificity is related to host abundance, differences in relative host abundance between tropical and temperate regions may limit any general conclusion that herbivore diversity scales directly with host-plant diversity.
Related Concept Videos
Migration
Optimal Foraging
Osmoregulation in Insects
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Pollination and Flower Structure

