Adaptations of Plants in Different Habitats

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

• instinct

• mimicry

• camouflage

• adaptation

Tags

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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

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

• flowers with bright colors

• sharp thorns

• small seeds

• deep roots

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Tom sketched this picture of an epiphyte from a book about tropical forests. How is this plant adapted to the ecosystem in which it lives?

•   It has a trunk tall enough to reach above nearby trees and compete for sunlight.

•   It has long roots that reach deep enough into the dry soil to reach underground water.

• It has roots that attach to trees so that it can reach sunlight that is scarce on the forest floor.

• It has leaves that capture and digest insects, which it needs for nutrients missing from soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The leaves of two types of plants that live in different environments are shown in the pictures. The leaves of both plants have different structures. What differences in the structure of the leaves of these plants likely help them survive in their environments?

• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them catch rainwater. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid sunlight

• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them stay on the water surface. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them prevent water loss.

• The pan-like shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them attract small fish. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them avoid herbivores

• The broad shape of the giant water lily leaves helps them attract aquatic birds. The slim shape of the mesquite leaves helps them attract pollinators.

Plants with spines and waxy leaves are well suited for life in which environment?

• Desert

• Temperate forest

• Grassland

• Tropical Rainfroest

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Water lilies live in lakes and ponds. The lilies have very long stems. The picture 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 prevent the plant from floating away.

Tags

NGSS.4-LS1-1

What does the shape of the Mequite leaves do to help the plant survive in its environment?

• The slim shape helps them avoid sunlight

• Slim shape helps attract pollinators

• Slim shape helps prevent water loss

• Slim shape helps them avoid herbivores

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Choose traits that helps a Saguaro Cactus survive.

• thick bark

• spiny needles

• waxy covering

• deep taproot

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4