The Secrets Behind Plant Defenses (IMAGE) Norwegian University of Science and Technology Caption Researchers exposed thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) to various injuries to see how the plants would react. They were surprised to find that the plant's different defense mechanisms could serve as a a backup for one another. Credit Per Harald Olsen, NTNU Usage Restrictions with proper credit and in association with articles about this research License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.