Adaptations in Living Organisms

What is the definition of an adaptation in living things?

• A characteristic that helps an organism change its environment.

• An inherited characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

• A learned behavior that helps an organism find food.

• A temporary change an organism makes to its body.

How do desert plants like the prickly pear and saguaro cactus adapt their root systems to acquire water?

• They have deep taproots that reach underground rivers.

• They have shallow, far-reaching root systems to catch limited rainfall.

• They absorb water directly through their leaves.

• They store water in their roots for later use.

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What is a key adaptation of water lily leaves that helps them survive in their environment?

• They are small and thin to reduce water loss.

• They are broad and flat, floating on the surface to gather sunlight.

• They have sharp edges to deter predators.

• They are submerged underwater to absorb nutrients.

Why do epiphytes, also known as "air plants," grow high up on trees in rainforests?

• To avoid being eaten by ground-dwelling animals.

• To get better access to sunlight.

• To absorb water directly from the air.

• To protect the trees from excessive rainfall.