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. Disponible en español.

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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.

Next Generation Science Standards: Disciplinary Core Ideas

LS1.A: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
LS1.C: ORGANIZATION FOR MATTER AND ENERGY FLOW IN ORGANISMS
How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow?
LS4.C: ADAPTATION
How does the environment influence populations of organisms over multiple generations?

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