Brain POP Jr. Plant Adaptations

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 rain forest 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

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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 environments 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

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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.

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

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Why might some 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.

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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