Plants
Plant Adaptations
ADAPTING TO LAND
Plants moved from water to land
-adaptations to survive this new and
strange environment.
Challenges to move to land:
Water is scarce
Climate (temp) changes rapidly
ADAPTING TO LAND
The move from water to land offered plants
distinct advantages
more exposure to sunlight for
photosynthesis
Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels
 Greater Supply of Inorganic Nutrients
Plant
Challenges
Plants
Adaptations
 Do not live close to
water
 Plants evolved
VASCULAR
TISSUE, (xylem and
phloem) specialized
to conduct water and
nutrients throughout
the plant
 Roots, stems, and
leaves have vascular
tissue.
Plant
Challenges
 Plants on land are
susceptible to Drying out
through Evaporation
Plants
Adaptations
 CUTICLE enabled plants
to conserve water by
slowing evaporation from
the plants body.
 THE CUTICLE IS A
WAXY, WATERPROOF
LAYER THAT COATS
THE PARTS OF A
PLANT EXPOSED TO
AIR.
1
Which picture shows the
cuticle of a cactus?
cuticle
2
Plant
Challenges
 Water needed for
reproduction, because
sperm had to swim
through water to fertilize
an egg.
Plants
Adaptations
 Plants developed SEEDS. A
SEED is an Embryo
surrounded by food supply
and protective covering.
 Seed coat are textured so that
they stick to fur and feather of
animals or contained in fleshy
fruits that are eaten and
dispersed by animals.
 Seeds can survive long
periods of bitter cold, extreme
heat, or drought.
Plant
Challenges
Plants
Adaptations
 Climate
Lots of sun, no rain (desert)
No sun, lots of rain (rainforest)
 Insect Attack
 Nutrients not available where they
live
Small leaves, thick cuticle, extensive
roots
Large leaves, thin cuticle
Plants manufacture chemicals that
have powerful affects on animals
Ex. Tabacco
Carnivorous plants have specialized
leaves that can trap and digest
insects.