The natural environment in which a plant or an animal lives is called its habitation. Each plant develops certain characteristics which help it to survive in a particular environment. These characteristics which help a plant to survive in its habitat are known as adaptations.
Plants are broadly grouped into terrestrial and aquatic based on the habitat in which they grow.
The terrestrial habitat
Plants that grow on land are called terrestrial plants. These plants have certain adaptations that help them to survive in their habitat
Adaptations of plants that grow on mountains
How is the climate on mountains and hilltops? These are cold places that receive intense sunshine and heavy rainfall. Some of these places also receive a good amount of snowfall. Trees growing on mountains have sloping branches so that the rain or snow can slide off easily. The leaves too are thin and needle like to prevent the snow resting on them. Some trees do not bear flowers, but have cones with seeds. Such trees are called conifers.
Most conifers do not shed all their leaves at once. So, they are green at all times of the year. Such trees are called evergreen trees.
Common trees and plants found on hills and mountains are pines, firs, cedars, spruce trees and juniper bushes.
In the hilly regions, we also find tea plantations. Tea plants need a lot of rainfall, but die if too much water stands near their roots. The hilly regions provide suitable conditions for their growth
Adaptations of plants that grow in the plains.
Have you noticed that some trees shed their leaves before the arrival of winter? Which are these types of trees?
The trees that shed all their leaves during autumn or dry season are called deciduous trees. Many trees, such as teak and Sal growing in the plains, are deciduous trees.
Most trees growing on plains have thick barks. They have many branches and broad leaves to capture the sunlight. The broad leaves also help water to change into water vapor easily, thus keeping the trees cool during the summer.
Adaptations of plants that grow in the hot deserts.
Can you name a plant commonly found in the hot desert?
Cacti are most commonly found in hot deserts. Hot deserts have very little water because of scanty rainfall. The soil is also sandy. So, plants growing in such deserts have adaptations to save water.
The leaves of cactus plant are modified into spines. This prevents loss of water from the plant body. The stem of a cactus plant is also modified. It is succulent, that is, the stem is thick and fleshy and is able to absorb water like a sponge. For this reason, cacti are also known as succulents. A waxy coating on the stem helps prevent water loss. The stem contains chlorophyll, so photosynthesis is carried out by the stem and not the spines.
The roots of cacti are shallow and lie just below the surface of the soil. However, they spread out several feet away from the plant. When it rains, cacti grow more roots. During very dry periods, the roots wither away and break off so that the soil does not suck up whatever moisture remains in the roots.
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