Plant Adaptations

Plants have adapted to a wide variety of environments and climates. They have evolved specialized structures, such as thickened cuticles and stomata, which help them survive in arid and dry climates. Cacti, for example, have specialized modified leaves, called spines, that help reduce water loss by reflecting sunlight. Other plants have adapted to survive in aquatic environments by developing specialized structures, such as air-filled bladders and water-filled cavities. These adaptations help the plants to float and take up oxygen from the water. Some plants, such as mangroves, have evolved aerial roots that allow them to survive in salt water. In addition, some plants have adapted to extreme cold by evolving thick, waxy cuticles and small, compact shapes that reduce their surface area to volume ratio, helping to prevent heat loss. These adaptations help the plants survive in cold environments.