Biome Adaptations
Tobby Navarro, Dakota Baker
Temperate RainForest
The Temperate Rain Forest
The soil is poor in nutrients. Large evergreen trees, some reaching 300 feet in height, are the dominant plant species.
The soil is poor in nutrients. Large evergreen trees, some reaching 300 feet in height, are the dominant plant species.
Temperate Rain Forest Plant Adaptations
- epiphytes such as mosses and ferns grow atop other plants to reach light.
- cool temperatures lead to slow decomposition but seedlings grow on "nurse logs" to take advantage of the nutrients from the decomposing fallen logs.
- trees can grow very tall due to amount of precipitation.
- These adaptations are significant because it is really hard for other plants to survive since they are fighting for water.
Desert
The Desert
The soil is often sandy or rocky and unable to hold much water. Plants are exposed to extreme temperatures and drought conditions. Plants must cope with extensive water loss.
The soil is often sandy or rocky and unable to hold much water. Plants are exposed to extreme temperatures and drought conditions. Plants must cope with extensive water loss.
Adaptations
- Some plants, called succulents, store water in their stems or leaves;
- Some plants have no leaves or small seasonal leaves that only grow after it rains. The lack of leaves helps reduce water loss during photosynthesis. Leafless plants conduct photosynthesis in their green stems.
- Long root systems spread out wide or go deep into the ground to absorb water;
- Some plants have a short life cycle, germinating in response to rain, growing, flowering, and dying within one year. These plants can evade drought.
- Leaves with hair help shade the plant, reducing water loss. Other plants have leaves that turn throughout the day to expose a minimum surface area to the heat.
- Spines to discourage animals from eating plants for water;
- Waxy coating on stems and leaves help reduce water loss.
- Flowers that open at night lure pollinators who are more likely to be active during the cooler night.
- Slower growing requires less energy. The plants don't have to make as much food and therefore do not lose as much water.