Final answer:
The correct answer is (a) alkaloids, which are plant defense compounds that can deter herbivores through bitter taste, noxious smell, or toxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
These plant chemical defenses interfere with an animal's digestion by binding to digestive enzymes:
- (a) alkaloids
- (b) phytojuvenile hormones
- (c) hydrogen cyanide
- (d) terpenoids
- (e) phytoecdysones
The correct answer is (a) alkaloids. Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring organic compounds that mainly contain basic nitrogen atoms. These compounds are produced by a large variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, and are part of a plant's defense mechanism against herbivores. Alkaloids can have a variety of effects on animals that consume them, including bitter taste, noxious smell, and even toxicity leading to severe diseases or death. These effects serve as a deterrent for herbivores, thus playing a critical role in the survival of plants.