ARTICLE: "HOW PLANTS ADAPT"

Read the article and learn about how plants adapt to the evironment:

HOW PLANTS ADAPT

In order to survive, plants have developed specific adaptations to the conditions of different areas. Some examples are:

• In areas where water is scarce, plants grow further apart. They may have waxy leaves, or some have no leaves at all. This helps to reduce loss of water through evaporation.

• In areas with less light and cool temperatures, trees have broad leaves to absorb lots of sunlight. They have thick bark to protect themselves against cold winters.

• In areas with cold temperatures, trees have needle-like leaves to help to reduce loss of water and to allow snow to fall off more easily. Their leaves are dark in colour to absorb sunlight and heat.

• In areas with very cold temperatures, plants are small by growing close to the ground, they keep warm. Their leaves are dark in colour to absorb sunlight and heat. Plants in cold areas grow in groups to keep out the wind and cold air.

Vocabulary

Scarce: few

Waxy: smooth

Bark: tree covering

Choose one adaptation per area and complete the graphic organiser:

PLANTS ADAPTATION