football__ sports_1 on Instagram: "Follow mee friend?....This movement is a survival mechanism called thigmonasty. When you touch the leaves, it triggers a rapid release of water from specialized cells at the base of the leaflets (called the pulvinus). ​As the water moves out, the cells lose pressure (turgor pressure), causing the leaves to collapse and fold inward. ​Defense: Scientists believe this makes the plant look wilted and unappetizing to herbivores (animals that want to eat it). ​Protec