Plant Adaptations

1. Plant Adaptations

2. Core Content • Biological Science SC-04-3.4.1 • Students will: • compare the different structures and functions of plants and animals that contribute to the growth, survival and reproduction of the organisms; • make inferences about the relationship between structure and function in organisms.

3. Plant Adaptations • Adaptations – a structure of function that helps a plant or animal survive in its environment.

4. Plant Adaptations for Different Environments • Plants are found all over earth’s surface. • Plants have special adaptations, like animals, that help them survive in their environment. • Most of the plants you’ve seen live on land. • Some plants have special adaptations that help them live in water.

5. Plant Adaptations Continued • Water Lilies are adapted to live in water. • Roots take in nutrients and water from the muddy bottom. • Plant stems grow toward the surface, taking along the leaves, which are rolled up like tubes. • At the surface, leaves unroll to form flat pads. They are ready to take in sunlight and carbon dioxide.

6. Plant Adaptations Continued • Vines often grow on forest floors, where the light id dim. • To reach sunlight, they have long stems with adaptations for clinging to other objects for support. • These adaptations help them climb fences, walls, rocks, and even other plants. • Kudzu is a vine commonly seen in Kentucky.

7. Plant Adaptations Continued • Cacti and other desert plants can survive with very little water. • They can go months and years without rain. • Cacti can survive dry spells because they have thick stems to store water. • When it finally does rain, the Cacti’s roots can collect water quickly because they go just below the ground. • This is a saguaro cactus, the tallest species of cactus.

8. Lets Review • Name one plant that is specially adapted to survive in its environment. • Explain what adaptations the plant has that helps it survive in its environment.