Adaptations for SurvivalL1: Plant AdaptationsLearning 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 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.

Carbon Dioxide + Water Oxygen + Glucoselight

Respiration: glucose is used for energy

• 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.

Glucose + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water

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?