01113nas a2200145   4500008004100000245003500041210003500076300001100111490000600122520071900128100001500847700001700862700001900879856006900898       1993                        eng d00aHerbivory and its consequences0 aHerbivory and its consequences  a10 -160 v33 aWe argue that herbivores often induce nonlinear or biphasic growth and development in plants. Collectively these individual responses translate into a system—level optimization curve wherein at low levels of herbivory overall community responses show increases in production potential, whereas extreme herbivory causes extreme reduction in productivity. The transition between these two states defines a point of optimal herbivory in respect to C and N processes.We present four case examples from the literature demonstrating such nonlinear responses, suggesting a widespread existence for this herbivore—plant phenomenon. The nonlinear responses appear to demonstrate temporal and spatial scale dependencies.1 aDyer, M.I.1 aTurner, C.L.1 aSeastedt, T.R.  uhttp://lter.konza.ksu.edu/content/herbivory-and-its-consequences