Plant adaptation
General Adaptations
Adaptation means special features that help a plant survive in its environment.
Plants adapt to get sunlight, water, air, and nutrients efficiently.
Adaptations help plants survive in extreme conditions like deserts, water, cold regions, and rainforests.
Desert Plants (Xerophytes)
Thick fleshy stems to store water (example: cactus).
Leaves are changed to spines to reduce water loss.
A waxy coating on surface reduces evaporation.
Deep or wide roots help absorb water quickly after rainfall.
Aquatic Plants (Hydrophytes)
Large air spaces in leaves and stems help the plant float (example: lotus).
Stomata present on upper surface of floating leaves.
Soft, flexible stems bend with water flow.
Roots are reduced because water and minerals are available easily.
Cold / Mountain Plants
Needle-like leaves reduce water loss and prevent snow damage (example: pine).
Sloping branches allow snow to slide off.
Thick bark protects from very low temperature.
Rainforest Plants
Big broad leaves to capture maximum sunlight in dense forests.
Drip tip leaves help rainwater flow off quickly to stop fungus growth.
Climbing plants/lianas use tall trees to reach sunlight.