Final answer:
In biology, defending often refers to an organism's method of protecting itself from harm, such as the immune system's role against pathogens or plants' use of spines and thorns. In psychology, defense mechanisms are strategies used to cope with stress or protect one's self-image. Additionally, defending territory can involve geopolitical strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Defending refers to the various strategies and mechanisms employed by an organism to protect itself from harm or intrusion. An example of this in biology is the body's immune response to pathogens. The body's first line of defense comprises physical and chemical barriers such as skin, mucous membranes, and stomach acid. Among many defense mechanisms, plants provide clear illustrations with their spines and thorns to deter herbivores, representing a physical form of defense.
In the context of psychology, defense mechanisms are unconscious psychological strategies that people use to cope with reality and maintain a positive self-image. Common examples include denial, where an individual refuses to accept reality, or projection, where someone attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others.
Moreover, in a social or geopolitical context, defending territory can mean protecting a nation's or group's land against others, which might involve military or diplomatic actions.