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How Do Plants Find Water? | Plant Adaptations
Water is one of three ingredients plants need to make their own food during photosynthesis. But what happens when water is hard to find? They adapt! Explore some amazing adaptations plants have developed to find and store water, from growing wide roots to expanding like accordions.
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Questions and Prompts for Educators
Check for Understanding
- Why do plants need water?
- What are the three ingredients plants need for photosynthesis?
- What are some of the ways plants find and store water?
Take It Further
- The mesquite tree grows deep roots to find water underground, while the golden barrel cactus has shallow roots to collect water at the surface. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of root?
Create
- Many plants have adapted to store water. Draw or use 3D art materials to design your own plant that stores water.
Make a Personal Connection
- Is the climate where you live rainy, dry, or a combination of both? If it’s dry, what are some ways that you could limit the use of water? If it’s rainy and dry, how could you collect water for later use? Research to find a solution and create an informational poster to teach others in your school community.
