Page 85 - Stories for Thinking Children 1

their eggs on this vine so that, when they hatch, they will have this
delicious food to eat. But the important point is this: before laying
their eggs on the vine, the butterflies check the leaves. If another in-

sect has laid its eggs there, they realize that it would be difficult for
two families to feed themselves from the leaves of the same plant, so
they decide to leave that plant and look for another whose leaves are
available.

This vine forms green bumps on the top surface of its leaves. And
some varieties produce spots that resemble butterfly eggs under their

leaves at the point where they join the branch. When the caterpillars
and butterflies see these, they think that another insect has laid its
eggs on these leaves first. They then don't lay their eggs on that

plant, but go away in search of another."
"What a great defense system!" said Kareem, impressed.

"Yes, Kareem," concluded Grandpa Hassan: "It is Allah with His

supreme knowledge Who has taught this plant how to protect itself.
Never forget that, OK?"

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