Plant Adaptations
Core Content
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Biological Science SC-04-3.4.1
Students will:
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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.
Plant Adaptations
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Adaptations – a structure of function that helps
a plant or animal survive in its environment.
Plant Adaptations for Different
Environments
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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.
Plant Adaptations Continued
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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.
Plant Adaptations Continued
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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.
Plant Adaptations Continued
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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.
Lets Review
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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.