2. Adaptations of Plants
Plants can survive in many extreme
environments.
Xerophytes – Desert Plants
Hydrophytes – Water Plants (live in ponds,
rivers and swamps)
In order to survive in these environments,
these plants need to have adaptations.
4. Xerophyte Adaptations
Well established root
systems.
Grow deeply and in all
directions in order to
anchor the plants in
sandy soil and against
the wind.
Helps to maximize water
uptake.
5. Xerophyte Adaptations
Short Life Cycles Thickened, Waxy
Grow from seeds to Cuticle
mature plants, produce Prevention of water loss
flowers, fruits and because the cuticle
seeds in a short prevents the water that
amount of time. the leaves already have
These few days can from escaping due to the
coincide with the few high heat and intense
days of rain. sunlight.
7. Xerophyte Adaptations
Many desert plants are What can help you to
called C4 or CAM remember the
plants. adaptations?
These plants only open Imagine you are in that
their stomata in the dark environment. What
at night.
would you need?
The cooler
temperatures allow the
plant to take up CO2
through their stomata
without sacrificing
water.
10. Adaptations of Hydrophytes
Roots in water-
clogged soil are called
‘Breathing Roots’ or
‘Pneumatophores’.
These roots grow to
reach the surface
above the water in
order to obtain CO2 to
survive.
Marshes or Swamps
11. Adaptations of Hydrophytes
Again, if you were in that environment, what
would you need to survive?
To breathe underwater?
To float on the water?