plants adaptations

Plant Survival By Bilal Karsifi

Cactus growin desert like

areas.

Their stems arevery thick so theycan store waterfor long periods

of time.

Dandelions have a root thatgoes very deep into the soil.

This is why it is so difficult to pulldandelions from the ground.

These deep roots are calledtaproots.

Dandelion have seeds better adapted to be caught by the wind and transported to another location.

… can all be adapted to live in different environments and help plants survive.

Lianas are climbing woody vines that drape rainforest trees. they have adapted to life in rainforest by having their roots in the ground and climbing high into the tree canopy to reach available sunlight

Epiphytes are plants that live on the surface of other plants, especially the trunk and branches.

They grow on trees to take advantage of the sunlight and canopy

Epiphytes: This tree has Bromeliads and mosses living on the surface of its bark

The leaves of Bromeliads form a vase to hold water. This Pineapple is an example of a bromeliad

Another Bromeliad

Rhizophora:In deltas and along ocean edges and river estuaries, trees have adapted to living in wet, marshy conditions. These trees, called mangroves, have wide-spreading stilt roots that support the trees in the tidal mud and trap nutritious organic matter

Desert plants have adapted to the extremes of heat and aridity by using both physical and behavioral mechanisms, much like desert animals.

Xerophytes, such as cacti, usually have special means of storing and conserving water. They often have few or no leaves, which reduces transpiration.

Xerophytes adaptations:

1.Tick cuticle.2.Stomata hidden in crypts or depressions in leafe surface (less exposure to wind and sun).3.Reduction in size of transpiration on surface (lower leafe only)4.Increased Water storage.5.Thicker leaves and stems, or leaves reduced in number, or leaves drop off during dry seasons.6.Leaves covered with silvery hairs (creates wind break & light reflective surface)7.Deep taproots or wide speading fibrous roots near the soil surface.

Phreatophytes are another group of plants that have adapted to arid environments. Phreatophytes, like the mesquite tree, have adapted to desert conditions by developing extremely long root systems to draw water from deep underground near the water table.

The Creosote Bush is on the most successful of all desert species because it utilizes a combination of many adaptations. instead of thorns, it relies for protection on a smell and taste wildlife find unpleasant. it has tiny leaves that close their stomata (pores) during the day to avoid water loss and open them at night to absorb moisture. Creosote has an extensive double root system -- both radial and deep -- to accumulate water from both surface and ground water.

Some plants, such as the Ocotillo, survive by becoming dormant during dry periods, then springing to life when water becomes available.

The Ocotillo also has a waxy coating on stems which serves to seal in moisture during periods of dormancy.

Desert plants must act quickly when heat, moisture and light inform them its time to bloom. Ephemerals send out flower stalks in a few days.

Ephemerals such as the desert sand verbena usually germinate in the spring following winter rains. they grow quickly, flower and produce seeds before dying and scattering their seeds to the desert floor.

The Desert Paintbrush is another ephemeral that quickly blooms and scatters its seeds when its active

Aquatic plants like this fringed water lily have not needed adaptations for strengthening themselves. they are supported by the water they live in. They also do not need as many roots since they live in the water.

Defensive Adaptations: Plants as we know have evolved ways to defend themselves by using sharp spines, thorns or hairs; cellulose that makes them hard to digest, or creating toxic chemicals. Another unusual way some plants have evolved to defend themselves is though mimicry - that is they evolve to look like another plant that is poisonous and animals are fooled into believing that they are poisonous.

Roots

Leaves

Stems

Plant Behaviors

… can all be adapted to live in different environments and help plants survive.

The End