Plant adaptations

• What do leaves in the rainforest grow to absorb more of?

  Light
• Why do leaves in rainforests grow super big?

  To absorb as much light as possible
• What causes holes in rainforest leaves?

  Bugs eating the leaves
• What is the purpose of the waxy layer on rainforest leaves?

  To make leaves waterproof
• What happens if leaves do not have a waxy layer?

  They would stay wet and decay
• What is the adaptation called when leaves are angled downwards?

  Leaf angling
• Why do leaves angle downwards in rainforests?

  To allow water to roll off easily
• What is the benefit of leaves being positioned in different directions?

  Each leaf receives sunlight without blocking others
• What is the name of the plant with massive leaves and gaps between them?

  Giant leafus plantus rexus exilus
• Why do plants in the rainforest have gaps between their leaves?

  To prevent damage to the leaves
• What happens to leaves that fall to the forest floor in rainforests?

  They rot away quickly due to life
• Why is rainforest soil generally low in nutrients?

  Leaves decompose quickly, nutrients are absorbed
• What type of roots do plants have in rainforests due to low nutrients?

  Buttress roots
• What is the function of buttress roots?

  To support the plant in shallow soil
• What are lianas in the rainforest?

  Thick woody vines
• How do lianas reach the upper canopy?

  By climbing up trees
• What do lianas do once they reach the upper canopy?

  They grow leaves or flowers for photosynthesis
• What happens to lianas if their host tree dies?

  They also die
• What is an epiphyte?

  A plant that grows on another tree
• How do epiphytes obtain moisture?

  Through specially designed leaves
• Where do epiphytes get their nutrients?

  From decomposing leaves in grooves
• Why are epiphytes sometimes referred to as parasitic plants?

  They can damage the host plant
• What are the key adaptations of rainforest plants?

  • Large leaves to absorb light
  • Waxy leaves to repel water
  • Leaf angling for sunlight access
  • Buttress roots for stability
  • Lianas for climbing to light
  • Epiphytes for moisture and nutrients
• What are the differences between lianas and epiphytes?

  • Lianas:
  • Thick woody vines
  • Climb trees for light
  • Depend on host trees

  
  

  • Epiphytes:
  • Grow on other trees
  • Absorb moisture from air
  • Can damage host plants