Question

explain the different types of adaptations in plants with suitable examples

Answer 1

Change in an organisms physical structure or behaviour that improves its ability to survive in their habitat
Anything that helps an organism survives in its environment is an adaptation
Adaptation also refers to organisms’ ability to adjust to various conditions within its environment
Examples: change in size of birds beak, development of sharp teeth and claws, etc.
Types of Adaptation:
Structural adaptation-
-involves physical features of an organism that helps it to strive and survive in its environment
-ex: teeth, locomotion and body covering
The shape of an animal’s teeth is related to its diet.
Herbivores, such as deer, have many molars for chewing tough grass and plants.
Carnivores, such as lions, have sharp canines to kill and tear meat.
Examples of Structural adaptations:

Protective coloration (Camouflage)
Allows an animal to blend in its environment
Makes it more difficult to be seen by enemies (greater chance of survival)
Example snakes.

Coloration- color of fur, skin, feathers, etc.
Ex: coloration on an animal’s fur coat can be the same color as trees, plants, and/or landscape during winter months
Behavioural Adaptation:
Actions and behaviours of an animal that are instinctive or can be learned
Ex: rabbit freezes if it thinks that it has been seen by a predator
Migration– involves group of animals moving to a new geographical area to another and then back
Reasons for migration:
Better climate
Greater chances of finding food
Safety (safe place to raise young)
Return to place of birth
Hibernation-

A state of ‘deep sleep’
Organisms body temperature drops to be able to conserve energy
Ex: Bears and bats

Answer 2

1. Most plants can aerate their roots by taking in the oxygen through the lenticels or through the surface of their root hairs.

2. But plants which have their roots in very wet places, such as ponds or marshes, are unable to obtain oxygen.

3. They are adapted to these water-logged conditions by having much larger air spaces which connect the stems with the roots, making diffusion from the upper parts much more efficient.

4. The most usual adaptation is to have a hollow stem.

5. The problem of air transport is more difficult for trees.

6. An exception is the mangrove tree of the tropics which have aerial roots above the soil surface and takes in oxygen through these roots.