Plant Adaptations (BrainPop, Jr.)

Some grasses grow in hot, dry areas. Why might they grow deep roots?

• to protect the plant from sun damage
• to take in as much light as possible
• to spread seeds to new places
• to reach water down below

Why might plants have thorns?

• to stay safe from animals that want to eat the plant
• to attract insects that spread its pollen to other plants
• to take in nutrients from the air
• to provide shade for the plant

What is one reason why some plants have scents?

• to shed extra water off the plant
• to take in nutrients from the soil
• to attract animals to spread its pollen
• to conserve water during dry periods

Which happens FIRST?

• the squirrel buries the acorn
• an acorn falls from an oak tree
• a squirrel finds the acorn on the ground
• an oak tree begins to grow in a new place

The rose of Jericho grows in dry areas. It curls up and lays DORMANT until there is enough water. What does DORMANT mean?

• flowering
• not active
• dead
• dried

Mistletoe is a PARASITIC plant that steals nutrients from other plants. What is a PARASITE?

• a living thing that lives on another living thing and takes from it
• a habitat that is hot and dry and receives very little rainfall a year
• a way to grow or change to adapt to an environment
• a part of the plant that takes in nutrients from the soil

Why might some plants that grow on the shady rainforest floor have large leaves?

• to stay safe from predators
• to attract different animals
• to survive harsh winters with heavy snowfall
• to take in as much sunlight as possible

Some trees shed their leaves in time for winter. How is this adaption useful?

• The trees save energy during the darker, colder months.
• The trees take in more sunlight through their branches.
• The trees attract animals to spread their seeds.
• The trees blend into their environment and hide.

What is one possible reason for seeds to have hooks or barbs?

• So they stay warm during the winter.
• So they protect themselves from sunlight.
• So they get attached to passing animals and get carried away.
• So they can stick to animals and steal nutrients from them.

The roots of cacti are usually shallow and spread out widely. How does this adaptation help the plants?

• The roots can take in more sunlight to grow faster.
• The roots can get up to the surface faster to get air.
• The roots can collect water quickly when it rains.
• The roots can spread pollen faster and reproduce.