Adaptations for Survival L 1 Plant Adaptations Learning

Adaptations for Survival L 1: Plant Adaptations Learning Objectives: 1. Recall environmental factors that plants require to survive. 2. Describe plant adaptations to deal with different environments. 3. Explain how different adaptations help the plant to survive.

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?

Sunlight for Photosynthesis light Carbon Dioxide + Water Oxygen + Glucose • Light energy (from the sun) is needed for photosynthesis. • This happens inside the chloroplast. • The energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Respiration: glucose is used for energy Glucose + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water • Glucose is used as fuel (food) for the plant. • Respiration (the “opposite” of photosynthesis) releases the energy stored in the glucose molecule. • The plant is able to use this energy for all of it’s necessary processes.

Adaptation = a feature that helps an organism to survive • Some plants are adapted to growing in lower levels of lights. Adaptations: • Larger leaves to catch more sunlight • Different colours to absorb more wavelengths of light

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?

Water is needed for photosynthesis and support • If plants do not have enough water they wilt and die. • Plants take in water from the soil through the roots. • However, water is lost through stomata (openings to let gases in and out). • More water is absorbed to replace the amount lost.

Adaptations to Dry Conditions • Some plants are adapted to growing in dry conditions. Adaptations: • Spines reduce water loss (small surface area) • Large stem stores water • Large root systems to absorb more water

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?

Nutrients are needed for the plant to grow and function properly • Nutrients from the soil are absorbed by roots. • Plants without proper nutrients can change colour and not be able to photosynthesise.

Adaptations to Nutrient Poor Soil • Some plants are adapted to living in nutrient poor soil. • Adaptations: • Carnivorous plants eat insects to gain extra nutrients.

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?

Plants need space to survive • Some plants are adapted to crowded environments. • Adaptations: • Some plants wrap around larger plants and grow around them to reach sunlight blocked by other plants.

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?

Warmer temperatures are better for plant growth • Photosynthesis is faster in warmer temperatures. • Very cold temperatures can also cause plant cells to freeze and damage them. • Adaptations: • Thick, waxy coverings protect against cold and water loss. • Grow in clumps and low to the ground to reduce effect of wind.

What do plants need to survive? • Sunlight • Water • Nutrients from the soil • Space • Correct temperature What do they need these for?