Plant Structures

How might plant structures look and act different depending on where they live?

On all areas of Earth… You may observe living things such as plants and animals having adapted to have internal and external structures that help them survive in their native ecosystem.

On all areas of Earth… Plants are living things that have internal and external structures that allow them to: Grow and remain strong Use water Produce food (energy) Reproduce Breathe

Plant Structures: Roots Roots allow many plants to: Stay supported Gather nutrients and water from the soil. Root hairs help them do this.

Humans use plant roots for foods, such as: Carrots Ginger Beets

Plant Structures: Stems/Trunks Stems and Trunks allow many plants to: Keep other plant parts held up Grow new structures and get larger Transport nutrients and water through the plant.

Many stems and trunks are used by humans and other Animals for food…

Including cinnamon

Plant Structures: Leaves Leaves allow many plants to: Produce their own food when exposed to sunlight. Store food and water.

Some plants shed their leaves during the fall and winter months when there is little sunlight. Succulent leaves have adapted to be thick to hold in more water in dry ecosystems.

Many people have used aloe leaves to help treat dry or burned skin.

Plant Structures: Flowers Flowers allow many plants to: Reproduce, or make more of its own kind. Many plants have adapted to have flowers that lure in bees or other animals that carry pollen.

Once pollinated, a flower an produce one or more seeds, which are potential new plants of the same species.

Plant Structures: Fruits Fruits allow many plants to: Protect their tiny seeds. Spread the seeds around the ecosystem. (What are some ways this can happen?)

Even coffee and chocolate come from the fruit of a plant.