Plant Parts and Adaptations

Why might some plants have thorns?

• to stay safe from animals that want to eat the plant

• to attract insects that spread pollen to other plants

• to take in nutrients from the air

• to provide shade for the plant

Which adaptation of a rose helps it grow without being eaten by large animals?

• flowers with bright colors

• sharp thorns

• small seeds

• deep roots

An adaptation that helps a cactus live in the desert is its

• wide, flat leaves to catch water

• bright green color

• thin, spiny needles

• tall stems

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Helps the plant to anchor to the soil and get water and nutrients.

• Leaves

• Stems

• Roots

• Odd shapes

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Plants have many adaptations tha thelp them survive in their environment and compete with other plants for limited resources. The statements below describe some plant adaptations.

-Growing tall helps a plant​ (a)   .

-Having sharp thorns helps a plant ​ (b)   .

- Long, deep roots help a plant ​ (c)   .

-Thick waxy leaves help a plant ​ (d)   .

-Brightly colored flowers and sweet nectar help a plant ​ (e)  

• compete for sunlight

• avoid being eaten

• compete for water

• avoid losing water in hot weather

• attract insects that pollinate it

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Plants in the rainforest have ​ (a)   (b)   because in the rainforest, plants will not dry out due to large amounts of rain.

• thinner

• cuticles

• mesophyll

• thicker

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The roots of the prickly pear cactus spread out in a wide underground network. How does this type of root system BENEFIT a prickly pear cactus?

• By producing fruit and storing water.

• By capturing sunlight and getting rid of waste materials.

• By absorbing water and supporting the plants in loose, sandy soil.

• By releasing nutrients into the sandy soil and taking in oxygen.

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Match the following plant adaptation with example

• Tropism

• Structural

• Blooming at night

• Physiological

• Flower color

• Behavioral

Many plants have bright, sweet smelling flowers. How would this adaptation help the plant?

• It warns away predators

• It attracts bees and other pollinators

• It helps the plant store water

• It gives the plant shade.

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Plant parts that absorb water and nutrients

• Leaves

• Roots

• Hair

• Stem