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.
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
- Lots of plants have ways to store water for dry times. Draw or describe how a plant might adapt to a climate with too much water.
Make a Personal Connection
- Think about the climate where you live. Is it rainy, dry, or a combination of both? If it’s dry, what are some ways that you could save water for your family and community? If it’s rainy, how could you collect water for times when it’s dry?
