Yes. This shows that plants can react to an external stimulus. However, a simple response to an external stimulus does not by itself indicate an ability to feel pain. For example, an electric doorbell can also respond to an external stimulus. It detects the pressure of a person’s finger and rings. But the fact that the doorbell can detect your finger in this way does not mean it is conscious. Similarly, plants’ ability to move their leaves to follow the sun does not by itself indicate consciousness.
Continue with these questions:
- How do you know that plants cannot feel pain?
- What would you do if we discovered that plants can feel pain?
- Are there religions that believe plants have souls?
- What about killing animals without causing them pain?
- How do you know whether other animals feel pain?
- What about insects?
- Where does consciousness begin in the animal kingdom?
- Is it acceptable to kill animals that lack consciousness?
More answers: Vegan Ethics FAQ.