Scientists exposed the host plant to caterpillars and worms . They found caterpillars produce more drool when eating a plant leaf . Genetic tests on plants revealed it responded to caterpillars differently . The plant leaves even split various caterpillars apart , the worms found . Previous study showed insects can mimic nearby sounds , such as eating .
Scientists exposed the Arabidopsis plant to caterpillars and worms . They found caterpillars produce more drool when eating a plant leaf . Genetic tests on plant revealed it responded to caterpillars differently . The plant could even tell various caterpillars apart , the scientists found . Previous study found plants can identify nearby sounds , such as eating .