Plant Adaptations

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 eat 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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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

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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

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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

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

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Mistletoe is a PARASITIC plant that steals nutrients from other plants. What is a PARASITE?

• a living thing that lives on another living thing an 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

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why might some plants that grow on the shady rainforest 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 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 environment and hide.

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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 attached to passing animals and get carried away.

• So they can stick to animals and steal nutrients from them.

The roots of cacti are usually shallow and spread out widely. How does this adaption 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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1