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Plant Adaptations. Plant Adaptations. Inherited characteristics that increase the plant’s chances of survival. Reproduction with the help of:. Air Water Animal The plant itself No seeds .
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Plant Adaptations • Inherited characteristics that increase the plant’s chances of survival
Reproduction with the help of: • Air • Water • Animal • The plant itself • No seeds Animal! This is a bee pollinating a flower! The pollen that sticks to the bee’s legs is an adaptation that helps the pollen to spread from flower to flower.
Seed Dispersal • Decreases competition and overcrowding • Can introduce the seed into a new habitat
How are these seeds being dispersed? • Air • Water • Animal • The plant itself • No seeds Animal! Have you ever gotten these stuck to you?
How are these seeds being dispersed? • Air • Water • Animal • The plant itself • No seeds Wind! These are Dandelion seeds!
Seed Dispersal by Air • Carried by the wind • Examples: dandelions, tumbleweed, maple trees
Seed Dispersal by Water • Seeds or fruits are dropped from the plant into rivers, lakes, or seas (the seeds float) • Example: coconuts
Videos Seed Dispersal by Self • The plant forcefully ejects seeds by various mechanisms. • Examples: dwarf mistletoe, pea plant, squirting cucumber
Video Chemical Defenses • Some plants produce chemical compounds that are toxic to insects that may feed on them The Narcissus plants look pretty, but they’re poisonous!
Carnivorous Plants • Live in wet, acidic environments with little nitrogen. Adaptations include: • - Ability to trap & digest insects as a nitrogen source
Video Sundew Pitcher Plant Venus Fly Trap
Plants around the world have many of the same adaptations. • True • False False! Each Biome on Earth has a unique climate and environment. Plants in each biome have developed specialized adaptations!
Which of the following would be an adaptation of an aquatic plant? • Tight tissues with no space for air • Seeds that float in water • Seeds that immediately sink • Chemical signals that attract aquatic herbivores • All of the above Seeds that float in water!
Aquatic Plants • Live in mud with little oxygen. Adaptations include: • Tissues with large air-filled space: oxygen can diffuse from the part above the ground to the roots • Seeds that float in water
Which of the following would be an adaptation of a desert plant? • Fibrous Roots • Small Leaves • Dormant Seeds • Thick Stems • All of the above All of the above!
Desert Plants • These plants must be able to survive strong winds, daytime heat, sandy soil, & infrequent rain. Adaptations include: • Extensive Roots: increase surface area to increase water absorption • Reduced Leaves (Spines): to decrease water loss • Dormant Seeds: only germinate when conditions are right • Thick Stems: store water