Plant's defense against herbivores, perhaps ニューヨークタイムズクロスワードのヒント

To solve the crossword clue "Plant's defense against herbivores, perhaps," we can analyze the components of the clue to deduce the potential answer. 1. **Identify Key Terms**: The clue references a plant's defense mechanism against herbivores. This indicates we are looking for a defensive adaptation or characteristic that protects plants from being eaten by animals. 2. **Consider Possible Answers**: Common defensive traits in plants include: - Thorns - Spines - Toxicity (like alkaloids) - Tough leaves or outer coatings - Chemical repellents or deterrents 3. **Wordplay or Common Terminology**: Since the clue uses “perhaps,” it suggests the answer might not be a direct definition but rather a general term associated with plant defenses. 4. **Common Crossword Terms**: The term "thorn" is straightforward, well-known, and fits well within botanical contexts about protection against herbivores. 5. **Count Letters if Needed**: If you had letters filled in from crossing words, a 5-letter word “THORN” fits the context perfectly as a common physical defense mechanism employed by many plants. 6. **Final Decision**: Based on the reasoning and analysis, the answer is likely "THORN." ### Tips for Solving Crossword Clues: - **Break Down the Clue**: Separate the clue into smaller components and identify keywords. - **Think of Categories**: For nature-related clues, consider categories like physical characteristics, chemical properties, or behaviors. - **Fill in Known Letters**: Use crossing words to narrow down possibilities. - **Think Outside the Box**: Some clues may involve puns or peculiar associations, so be open to less obvious answers. - **Familiarize with Common Terms**: Learning frequently used words or themes in crosswords can help expedite your solving process.