Plant Adaptations

What is the structure of an organism? A structure is a part of an organism that performs a specific job

What is a function of a structure? The function is the job a structure performs.

Structure and Function The structure and function of plant parts show evidence of adaptation. If the adaptation helps the plant survive, it can be passed on to offspring Examples Include: Defenses against consumers Ways to attract pollinators Seed dispersal to ensure survival http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Weberocereus_tunilla_-_The_Cactaceae.jpg

An inherited trait that helps an organism survive What is an adaptation? An inherited trait that helps an organism survive

Heredity and Function We have looked at genetics Now, we will look at how genetics and function can effect adaptations

Heredity and Function What are some genetic traits or adaptations we may see in animals over several generations? What are some genetic traits or adaptations we may see in plants over several generations?

Common Plant Parts There are more than half a million different types of plants, and even though they look different, they all have some common parts. Most plants have: roots stems leaves flowers seeds

Common Plant Parts The plant parts help plants to survive by: Helping them obtain food, carbon dioxide or water Help them reproduce Help them defend against consumers

Roots Root functions Act as anchors to keep the plant in the ground Take in water an minerals from the soil Some roots store food http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cycads_root.png

Roots Root adaptations Roots must adapt to many different environments Spread out and create a shallow root system Grow a deep tap root Grow above ground to support the tree Store food for later use

Roots Some roots spread out along the ground in search or water in places where it rains often

Roots Some roots grow deep into the ground in search of water in places where it doesn’t rain often. In other dry places, roots are shallow to catch any bit of rain that falls.

Roots In some locations, roots begin on the stem to help support the plant or tree Called buttress roots

Roots Some roots can store glucose for later use These are typically roots we can eat

Stems or trunks Stem functions Hold the plant upright and support the leaves Carry water, minerals and food around the plant Defend the plant against consumers

Stems or trunks adaptations Stems and trunks must adapt to many different environments Rigid and made of bark Flexible and not made of bark Have xylem to carry water and food around the plant Defenses against consumers

Stems or trunks Hold the plant upright and support the leaves Can be rigid or flexible

Stems or trunks Carry water, minerals and food around the plant xylem

Stems or trunks Defend the plant against consumers Stinging Hairs Rose Prickles

Leaves Leaf functions To gather sunlight for photosynthesis To absorb some water and carbon dioxide To protect the plant Leaves have many shapes and sizes, all depending on the environment and how much sunlight the plant needs.

leaves adaptations leaf size float in water catch prey thorns toxins

Leaves To gather sunlight for photosynthesis Leaves in wet areas are usually large Leaves in dry areas are usually small

Leaves To float in water

Leaves catch prey