Plant Evolution and Adaptations

What is it called when a plant or animal has a trait that helps it survive in a specific environment?

• instinct

• mimicry

• camouflage

• adaptation

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

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

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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

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NGSS.MS-LS1-4

What is one possible reason for seeds to have hooks or barbs?

• to stay warm during the winter

• to protect themselves from sunlight

• to get attached to passing animals and get carried away

• to stick to animals and steal nutrients from them

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 feature of a rose helps it grow without being eaten by animals?

• flowers with bright colors

• sharp thorns

• small seeds

• deep roots

Water lilies live in lakes and ponds. The lilies have very long stems. The picture above shows a water lily in a pond. How do long stems help water lilies live in ponds?

• They absorb food for the plant.

• They absorb water from the pond.

• They enable the pads and flower to reach sunlight.

• They help the plants float away.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Plants that live in salt marshes absorb a lot of salt water. What adaptation do these plants most likely have?

• They have spines on their leaves.

• They depend on rain for water.

• They have stiff stems for support in water.

• They have a way to get excess salt out of their bodies.

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An adaptation that helps a cactus live in the desert is its

• wide, flat leaves to catch water

• bright green color

• thin, spiny needles

• tall stems

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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

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