Plant Adaptations

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SEED DISPERSAL Plants produce such a large number of seeds and most of them do not survive. To be sure the seeds survive, they must be carried away from the parent plant. Some seeds have hook on them that allow them to attach to animal fur or clothes. Some seeds are able to float in water. Some seeds are light and have wings or thin hairs that allow them to be carried away by wind. Some seeds are eaten by animals and deposited in areas away from the parent plant. COLOR Flowers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Petals are colored and scented to attract insects and other creatures for the purposes of pollination. The coloration of parts of some plants makes them attractive to some animals. RESPONSE TO LIGHT A plant needs sunlight or some other source of light to survive. It uses the light for the energy it needs to make food. A plant always turns its leaves and bends its stem toward the light. ROOTS Roots take in water and nutrients from the habitat. Roots hold the plant in place and store food and water. Each variety of plant will survive if its ROOTS size, length, and spread are adapted to the habitat. STEMS Stems move and store water and nutrients in the plant. Stems also provide support and protection for the plant. LEAVES Leaves produce food for plants when there is light. Each variety of plant will survive when its LEAF size, texture, thickness, and shape are adapted to the habitat. FLOWERS Flowers have special sizes, smells, shapes, and colors that attract organisms for pollination. FRUITS Fruits are formed around the seed to protect it. Some fruits are moist and fleshy to attract animals that eat them by helping to disperse seeds. Examples of moist and fleshy fruits: peach and tomato. Other fruits are dry or hard to help protect the seed. Examples of dry or hard fruits: coconut and walnuts SEEDS Some seeds begin to grow as soon as conditions allow for germination. Examples of those conditions: warmth and water. Seeds have adaptations that allow them to be dispersed and also have enough food for the plant until it begins making its own food.

large away float wind sunlight place water nutrients protect eat protect warmth