Structures and Adaptations of Plants
Plants are adapted to their habitats so that their needs can be met. Some plants have special structural adaptations for meeting their needs in their particular habitat. Some examples of plant adaptations to conditions in their habitat may be:
![Picture](/uploads/9/5/8/5/95851380/published/tree-roots.jpg?1502903596)
ROOTS
Roots take in water and nutrients from the habitat. They may also hold the plant in place and store food and water. Each variety of plant will survive where its roots’ size, length, and spread are adapted to the habitat. Some examples of root adaptations may be:
Roots take in water and nutrients from the habitat. They may also hold the plant in place and store food and water. Each variety of plant will survive where its roots’ size, length, and spread are adapted to the habitat. Some examples of root adaptations may be:
- Water lilies have long roots that can take in nutrients from the muddy bottom of ponds or lakes.
- Cacti have roots that spread out close to the surface for living in dry habitats.
- Carrots and dandelions have a large, thick root that is longer than its other roots. This long root helps the plant survive by reaching far underground to find water and to firmly anchor the plant.
![Picture](/uploads/9/5/8/5/95851380/published/152026-004-48cc29a5_1.jpg?1502903707)
LEAVES
Leaves produce food for plants in the presence of light. Each variety of plant will survive where its leaf size, texture, thickness, and shape are adapted to the habitat. Some examples of leaf adaptations may be:
Leaves produce food for plants in the presence of light. Each variety of plant will survive where its leaf size, texture, thickness, and shape are adapted to the habitat. Some examples of leaf adaptations may be:
- Water lilies develop wide leaves that allow them to float on the water to capture sunlight to make food.
- Evergreen trees have leaves that are shaped like thin, waxy needles to protect them from freezing and from losing water.
![Picture](/uploads/9/5/8/5/95851380/published/horsetail-stems.jpg?1502904825)
STEMS
Stems move and store water and nutrients in the plant. Stems also provide support and protection for the plant. Some examples of stem adaptations may be:
Stems move and store water and nutrients in the plant. Stems also provide support and protection for the plant. Some examples of stem adaptations may be:
- Some stems have thorns that provide protection.
- Vines have stems that can climb and stick to various surfaces to ensure that the leaves are exposed to light.
- Corn and sunflowers have stems that grow thick and strong but remain green and flexible so that they can grow toward the sun.
- Trees develop woody stems (and trunks) to support their size and provide protection against wind and physical damage during their long lifetime.
- Cacti have thick stems that store water when the habitat does not provide it.
FLOWERS
Flowers often have special sizes, shapes, smells, or colors that attract organisms for pollination. The color of plant parts (fruits such as berries and petals) makes them attractive to some animals (birds and bees are attracted to the color and will pollinate). |
FRUIT
Fruits are formed around the seed to protect it. Some examples of fruit adaptations are:
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![Picture](/uploads/9/5/8/5/95851380/published/phaseolus-vulgaris-seed.jpg?1503970581)
SEEDS
Some seeds begin to grow as soon as conditions allow for germination. Because most seeds may not survive, a plant produces many seeds, which need to be dispersed, or carried away. Some seeds have hooks that allow them to attach to fur or clothes. Some seeds are able to float in water. Some seeds are light enough to be carried away by the wind. Other seeds are eaten by animals and deposited elsewhere.
Some seeds begin to grow as soon as conditions allow for germination. Because most seeds may not survive, a plant produces many seeds, which need to be dispersed, or carried away. Some seeds have hooks that allow them to attach to fur or clothes. Some seeds are able to float in water. Some seeds are light enough to be carried away by the wind. Other seeds are eaten by animals and deposited elsewhere.
Sources:
Text: ed.sc.gov
Image 1: https://www.thetreecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/tree-roots.jpg
Image 2: https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/26/152026-004-48CC29A5.jpg
Image 3: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGiC2chPbxo/V4p9FQm8vfI/AAAAAAAAZkU/ZiqgFtKH6WgYaTr-Z_WFdoS0rgeBLoxWACLcB/s1600/horsetail-stems.jpg
Image 4: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/04/18/16/sun-flower-1497092_960_720.jpg
Image 5: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/08/27/14/42/apple-tree-429213_960_720.jpg
Image 6: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Phaseolus_vulgaris_seed.jpg
Text: ed.sc.gov
Image 1: https://www.thetreecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/tree-roots.jpg
Image 2: https://media1.britannica.com/eb-media/26/152026-004-48CC29A5.jpg
Image 3: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGiC2chPbxo/V4p9FQm8vfI/AAAAAAAAZkU/ZiqgFtKH6WgYaTr-Z_WFdoS0rgeBLoxWACLcB/s1600/horsetail-stems.jpg
Image 4: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/04/18/16/sun-flower-1497092_960_720.jpg
Image 5: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/08/27/14/42/apple-tree-429213_960_720.jpg
Image 6: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Phaseolus_vulgaris_seed.jpg