Plant adaptation
Definition - Adaption in plants is the process of developing special features that allow them to survive and thrive on a particular environment or habitat.
Why? - Plants need to adapt so they can survive on the place they live. Every environment has challenges, and adaptation help plants handle those challenges.
How? - plants adopt in these ways:
• By changing their structures (structural adaptation)
• By changing how they look inside (physiological adaptation)
• By changing how they behave (behavioural adaptation)
• By reproducing in special ways
Types of plant adaptation:
1. Structural adaptation:
• These are changes in the plants body
• Thick stems (mostly found in cactus)
• Waxy leaves
• Deep roots
• Large leaves
2. Physiological adaptation (internal function)
• These are changes in how the plant works inside
• Storing water in stems
• Closing stomata during the day (to prevent water loss)
• Making bad tasting chemicals for protection
3. Behavioural adaptation:
• Plants don’t move, but they still “behave” in special ways.
• Growing toward light (phototropism)
• Roots growing toward water (hydrotropism)
• Flowers opening and closing at certain times
• Climbing using tendrils (vines)
4. Reproductive adaptations:
Changes that help plants spread seeds or attract pollinators.
• Bright, scented flowers
• Lightweight seeds (wind dispersal)
• Hooks or sticky seeds (attach to animals)
• Fruits to attract animals for dispersal