PLANT ADAPTATIONS

Rainforest

Enormous Biodiversity

Constant warmth and rainfall provides the home to most of the species on Earth. > 70% of all terrestrial species

Question: How does the structure of a rainforest allow so

many species to coexist?

Vertical Stratification

Rainforest

Top soil is thin and poor due to rapid nutrient recycling.

Adaptations to soil conditions Tree trunks widen their bases for support Shallow roots to absorb nutrients.

Rainforest

Vines and Epiphytes grow on the sides of tree trunks and limbs. Why would this be an advantage?

Temperature Deciduous Forest

Plant life is adapted to fluctuating temperatures.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Growing Season Spring through Summer Plants and trees produce and store large

amounts of food Autumn

Trees shed leaves to preserve water and energy over the winter

Photosynthesis stops Winter

Trees consume food storages.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

Decay of leaf litter is slowed by the winter months.

This provides a deep, rich layer of soil. More sunlight penetration results in a

thicker understory and more plant life on the forest floor.

Coniferous Forest

Coniferous Forest

Leaves are needles Long, thin, and covered in a thick and waxy

resin. What advantage would this serve?

Coniferous Forest

Many conifers are shaped like a cone. What advantage would this provide?

Snow Insulates the roots of trees over the winter.

Tundra

Plants tend to be small and grow close to the warmer ground.

Tundra Permafrost

Precipitation is mainly snow and ice. Majority of soil is frozen year round.

Tundra

Only thin layer of soil thaws in summer. How could plants adapt to a thin layer of

soil? Wide, shallow roots.

Mosses and Lichen can grow on bare rock.

Deserts

Main challenge facing plants. Limited water

Deserts

Absorbing water efficiently have very shallow roots that grow over a wide

area.

Preventing water loss. Succulent tissues Spines

Grasslands

Important abiotic factors Limited rainfall Fires wind

Grasslands

Limited water Heavy cycles of rain followed by long

droughts.

Trees and shrubs grow near ponds, streams, and springs.

Grasslands

Fires Destroy most trees and shrubs

The majority of the biomass for grass is belowground in the form of roots. Why is this an advantage for grasses?

Convert organic matter into valuable nutrients, providing a deep, fertile soil for grasses.

Heat assists in germination of grass seeds.

Grasslands

Wind Carries seeds and pollen long distances Dispersal mechanism.

Practice

Which biome would you find me?

Practice

Which biome would you find me?

Practice

Which biome would you find me?

Practice

Which biome would you find me?