Topic: Adaptation

Adaptation is the change in structure , function and behavior of an organism in order to adjust or survive in its environment.

                                              Plants Adaptation

A     Adaptation of plants to Aquatic Habitat (Hydrophytes)

1. Possession of waxy cuticles on leaves to prevent wetting e. g water lettuce
2. Possession of long stem and flower stalk to expose the flowers and leaves, eg water lily

3 . Possession of adventitious roots e.g water lettuce

4    Possession of air floats in the leaves and stems for buoyancy e.g water

5. Possession of airspaces in the tissues for buoyance e.g water lettuce

6. Possession of breathing roots for gaseous  exchange e.g white mangrove

B      Adaptation of plants to terrestrial habitat

1. Possession of extensive root system for anchorage and absorption e.g Mahogamy.
2. Possession of thick barks on the stems to protect internal tissues

3. Possession of numerous leaves to enhance  better photosynthesis

4. Possession of succulent stems by desert plant to enable them store excess water

5. Possession of thick, waxy cuticles on leaves to prevent water loss through transpiration.

6. . Possession of numerous leaves to enhance  better photosynthesis

NOTE: Plants which can survive  in extremely dry places are called Xerophytes while plants that can  survive in places where the areas are not too dry or too wet are called Mesophyte.

Question

1.Define adaptation?

2.State 5 adaptations each of plants to aquatic and terrestrial  habitat

3.List two examples of desert plants