Plant Adaptations

Click on the flashcard to see the answer

What is a plant adaptation?

A plant adaptation is a characteristic or feature that has evolved to allow a plant to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Name two types of adaptations that help plants conserve water in arid environments.

Plants may have deep root systems and waxy leaves to help conserve water in arid environments.

How do cacti conserve water?

Cacti conserve water by having thick, fleshy stems that store water, and small or no leaves to reduce water loss.

What is the role of stomata in plant adaptation?

Stomata are small openings on leaves that control gas exchange and water loss, allowing plants to adapt to varying environmental conditions.

Why do some plants have a waxy coating on their leaves?

A waxy coating helps reduce water loss by creating a barrier to evaporation, which is especially useful in dry environments.

How are mangroves adapted to saline environments?

Mangroves have specialized roots called pneumatophores for oxygen intake and salt-filtering systems to manage high salinity.

What adaptation helps climbing plants reach sunlight?

Climbing plants have tendrils or twining stems to attach to structures, allowing them to reach sunlight efficiently.

Explain how angiosperms attract pollinators.

Angiosperms attract pollinators through colorful flowers, nectar, and scents, facilitating reproductive success.

What is the adaptation significance of deciduous trees dropping leaves?

Dropping leaves helps deciduous trees conserve water and survive cold, dry winter conditions by reducing water loss.

How do alpine plants survive in cold climates?

Alpine plants often have small, compact shapes to minimize heat loss and may have hair-covered leaves to trap warmth.

Why do lotus plants have broad, flat leaves?

Broad, flat leaves allow lotus plants to float on water surfaces, maximizing sunlight exposure for photosynthesis.

What adaptation allows plants to survive in high wind conditions?

Plants may have flexible stems or deep roots to withstand and stabilize themselves against high winds.

How do plants in nutrient-poor soils acquire necessary nutrients?

Some plants, like carnivorous plants, trap and digest insects to supplement nutrient intake.

What role do thick bark layers play in plant adaptation?

Thick bark helps protect trees from cold temperatures, physical damage, and some pests.

How do epiphytes obtain nutrients without soil?

Epiphytes grow on other plants and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air or debris that collects around them.