Gopher (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Caption A gopher (Geomiydae) pulls a branch of Nicotiana attenuata into its nest. In nature, the plants are well protected against mammalian herbivory by nicotine, a neurotoxic substance. If the plants lack the hormone that regulates nicotine production, they become an attractive food source for many mammals, as shown in experiments with genetically modified plants. Credit Arne Weinhold, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Usage Restrictions None 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.