Plant Traits 3rd Grade Study Guide

What is a trait?

It is a special characteristic of a plant that helps it grow, survive, and reproduce.

True or False: Different Plants have different traits based on where they live.

True

Types of Plant Traits

Traits to get Sunlight, to store water, to attract pollinators, for protection, and to live in water (5 traits)

What are some plants that have traits to get sunlight?

Tall Trees, Vines, and sunflowers

What do the tall Trees do? Which trait is this one?

They grow high to reach the sunlight. It is a trait to get sunlight.

What do the vines do? And which trait is this one?

They claim up other pants to more light. It is a trait to get sunlight.

What do sunflowers do? And what trait is this one?

They turn their faces toward the sun. It is a trait to get sunlight.

What are some plants that have traits to store water?

Cactus and plants with small leaves

What does a cactus do? And which trait is this one?

They are plants that have thick stems to store water. It is a trait to store water.

What do the plants with small leaves do? And what trait is this one?

They reduce or lower water loss. It is a trait to store water.

What is a pollinator?

A pollinator is an insect that pollinates from a flower, like bees do.

What are some plants that have the traits to attract pollinators?

Bright colored flowers and sweet flowers

What do the bright colored flowers do? Which trait is this one?

They attract bees, butterflies, and birds. It is a trait to attract pollinators.

What do the sweet flowers do? What trait is this one?

The sweet flowers have a sweet smell. The smell helps bring pollinators to flowers. It is a trait to attract pollinators.

What are some plants that have traits for protection?

Plants with thorns (roses) and plants with poisonous leaves

What do the thorns on plants do? What trait is this one?

They keep animals away from eating the plant. It cuts them. This is a trait for protection.

What do the poisonous leaves do? Which trait is this one?

They will stop animals from eating them. It could make the animals sick or die. This is a trait for protection.

What are some plants that have traits to live in water?

Water lilies and Mangrove trees

What do the Water lilies do? What trait is this one?

They have flat leaves to help them float. This is a trait to live in water.

What do Mangrove trees do? What trait is this one?

They have roots that grow above water to get them oxygen (air). This is a trait to live in water.

Why are plant traits important?

Plant traits help them to

1) Survive in different environments

2) Grow and stay healthy

3) To reproduce (make new plants)