How does plant damage from certain pests typically manifest?

Plant damage caused by pests often manifests as wilting and yellowing of tissue. This physiological response is closely linked to how pests interact with plants; for example, sap-sucking insects can remove essential fluids, leading to dehydration and subsequently causing leaves to wilt. Additionally, some pests may inject toxins or cause wounds that affect the plant's ability to transport nutrients and water, which results in yellowing as the chlorophyll degrades and the plant's overall health deteriorates.

The other options do not accurately represent the typical manifestations of pest damage. Increased leaf size is generally associated with positive growth factors such as sufficient nutrients and water, while a healthier plant appearance contradicts the notion of pest damage. Stunted growth without discoloration might indicate other environmental stress factors but does not specifically reflect the common signs associated with pest infestations, which usually include visible symptoms like wilting and yellowing.