Plant Adaptations to Different Environments
Introduction
Plants live in a wide range of environments, from deserts to rainforests. To survive, they develop adaptations—special features that help them cope with their surroundings.
Desert Plants
- Thick, fleshy stems to store water
- Reduced leaves (spines) to reduce water loss
- Waxy cuticle to prevent evaporation
Aquatic Plants
- Large air spaces for buoyancy
- Broad leaves to capture sunlight
- Reduced root systems
Cold and Mountain Environments
- Small, needle-like leaves to reduce water loss
- Low-growing forms to resist strong winds
- Darker pigmentation to absorb more heat
Summary
Plant adaptations show how living organisms evolve to survive in different habitats. These features help plants thrive under challenging conditions.