Specificity and complexity: the impact of herbivore-induced plant responses on arthropod community structure

The ways in which plants respond to damage are diverse and frequently herbivore-specific. These responses mediate interactions with organisms on multiple trophic levels, leading to complex, community-wide effects. We review recent research on the transcriptional and metabolic specificity of plant responses and their ecological consequences for arthropod community composition. We emphasize the necessity of viewing plants as active players in their interactions with other organisms.