Plant Adaptations

Plants need water, sunlight, Nutrients and air for survival

Many plants have adaptations to help them meet their needs in different

environments

Venus Flytrap Captures insects for

additional nutrients that are not found in it’s wetland environment

The leaves secrete a nectar to entice the insects to land on its leaves, then the leaves snap shut, capturing the insect

For more information check out this website: http://science.howstuffworks.com/venus-flytrap3.htm

VinesAlmost all vines have

tendrilsTendrils help the

vines climb up walls and wind around tree trunks

Tendrils can be leaves or stems that have changed to help the plant climb toward the sun

Cactus Cacti have many

adaptations:The thick stems of the

cacti store water and keep it from evaporating

The spines of the plant protect it from predators

Roots grow near the surface to collect rain water quickly

Rafflesia arnoldiiSmells like rotten

meatAttracts flies as it’s

pollinatorsWorld’s largest flower: three feet across and

a mass of about 4 pounds

Found in the rainforests of Asia

For more info: http://www.earlham.edu/~givenbe/Rafflesia/rafflesia/biodiv2.htm

Spanish Moss

An epiphyte that grows on trees

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for support

Does not harm the trees it grows on- absorbs all needed nutrients and water from the air

What do we know about plant adaptations?

• What plant adaptations have we discussed today? How do they help each plant?

• Define the word adaptation in your own words.• What other adaptations do you think plants

have? Explain your reasoning with an example• Will all plants survive in all environments?

Explain your reasoning with a plant example.