WorksheetsPlant Adaptations
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 15mins
Desert plants have a coat of wax on their leaves to
keep water from escaping
protect them from animals eating them
absorb water from the air
release scent to attract animals
Some grasses grow in hot dry areas. Why might they grow very 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 that is underground
What is one reason that some plants have a strong scent?
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
A plant is adapted to a forest with little sunlight. Identify the BEST adaptation this plant might have to ensure its survival.
extremely long root system
thick, waxy, spike covered leaves
ability to attach to and grow upwards on taller trees
shallow root system near the surface
Which of the following adaptations best explains how pine trees are able to prevent water loss or damage from freezing temperatures?
Pine trees have thick bark
Pine cones produce seeds.
Pine tree roots go deep underground.
Pine needles are thin and have a wax coating.
In a dense forest, some trees are very tall. The type of plant MOST LIKELY to survive underneath these trees is one that
can store water.
produce many seeds
needs little sunlight.
can withstand the cold.
Mr. Walker plants a new plant next to a tall tree in his yard. It is partly in the sun, but is mostly in the shade. He notices that it is growing with all of its leaves on one side. Why is the plant growing this way?
It is dying.
It is trying to get sunlight.
It is trying to stay in the shade.
It wants to be closer to the tree.
Why does a cactus have shallow roots while other desert plants have deeper roots?
Shallow roots help to absorb water quickly before it evaporates.
A cactus does not need deep roots because it has a strong stem.
Other plants only want to take in water that is deep underground.
The water near the surface is much better for helping a cactus to grow.
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.
Which adaptation of a rose helps it grow without being eaten by large animals?
flowers with bright colors
sharp thorns
small seeds
deep roots
Which is a function of the roots?
absorb sunlight
start photosynthesis
pull nutrients from the soil
turn gray when they get old
Plants have different needs depending on where they live. In what kind of environment would you find a plant that has an adaptation that allows it to store water?
rainforest
grasslands
tundra
desert
Which of the following is a common adaptation of plants living in arid desert environments?
A) Large, broad leaves to capture sunlight
B) Deep roots to access underground water
C) Brightly colored flowers to attract pollinators
D) Thin, delicate stems to reduce water loss
How do mangrove trees adapt to living in coastal environments with high salt concentrations?
A) They have leaves that excrete excess salt
B) They grow taller to avoid saltwater
C) They develop thicker bark to prevent salt absorption
D) They produce seeds that float away from saltwater
What is the primary reason some plants have developed thorns or spines?
A) To increase photosynthesis
B) To reduce water loss
C) To deter herbivores
D) To attract pollinators
