Name
BLM
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How can I define a modified leaf?
1. Record your observations of each plant type in the chart below.
Houseplant
Characteristics:
Succulent
Characteristics:
Sample response: dark green leaves are shiny,
thick, and leathery and arranged alternately on
Sample response: plant is tree-like with dark
the twig
green, fleshy thick oval leaves
Name of plant: Sample answer: English ivy
Cactus
Characteristics:
Name of plant: Jade plant
Evergreen
Characteristics:
Sample response: small, ball-shaped green plant
with sharp pointed brown spines that are stiff,
Sample response: long thin pointed needles with
hard and solid and grow in clusters
waxy coating, grow in clusters of five
Name of plant:
Pincushion cactus
Name of plant:
Pine tree
2. What question could you ask about the function of a cactus spine?
Sample question: How might cactus spines help a cactus live in environments where water is
scarce? Sample answer: The sharp cactus spines help protect the plant from being eaten by
animals seeking water.
3. What question could you ask about the function of a pine needle?
Sample question: How might pine needles help a pine tree live in environments where water is
not available part of the year? Sample answer: The surface area of a needle is lower than the
surface area of a typical leaf, so the needle will lose less water.
4. What question could you ask about the function of a succulent’s leaves?
Sample question: How might the fleshy leaves of a succulent help it survive in a desert?
Sample answer: The succulent’s leaves can store water. It can use the stored water to survive
during dry periods.
5. Summarize your observations of the possible functions of modified leaves.
save water. Succulents can store water in their leaves, which helps them survive in the desert.
6. Write an operational definition of a modified leaf.
Sample answer: A modified leaf is a plant leaf that has a different form or shape that helps the
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plant survive in its environment.
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Sample answer: Pines and cactus grow in dry environments. I think the pointed leaves might help