Chemical defense is the use of compounds by plants and animals to deter herbivory and predation.

For example, some secondary metabolites are toxins used to deter predation and others are pheromones used to attract insects for pollination.

Squirrels have been known to feed on C. cinnabarinum, although its gelatinous coating deters insect predation.

The sclerites and certain secondary metabolites produced by Leptogorgia virgulata deter predation by fish.

Seeds of many plants have evolved a variety of defenses to deter predation from seed predators.

These bottom dwelling ostracods emit a light stream into water when disturbed presumably to deter predation.

Cochineal insects produce carminic acid to deter predation by other insects.

The insect produces carminic acid, which deters predation by other insects.

The vanadocytes are later deposited just below the outer surface of the tunic where it is thought that their presence deters predation.

The odor may deter predation by insects and rodents, and the sticky coating may reduce desiccation.