Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Adaption

Purpose of the structure

White, reflective and woolly hair

• Hair traps air and insulates against low temperature

• White hair or pigmentation protects against the sun and high UV-radiation

Small leaves, stunted growth to stay low to the ground

• Prevents excessive evaporation of water from the leaves by transpiration

• Protections from hash weather conditions

Thick, fleshy leaves (succulents)

• Helps with water conservation for plants growing on rocks or when the soil is frozen

Adaption

Purpose of the structure

Thick waxy covering on leaves (waxy cuticle)

Leaves that can roll up during drought

Stomata (pores in the leaf) in indentations

• Reduces water loss through transpiration

• Create a humid chamber and reduce exposure to win

• Keep air humid with no exposure to win

Underground stems (rhizomes)

• Provide stability

• Can extend deep into ground to obtain water

Accumulation of carbohydrates in root and leaf cells

• Storage of sugar increases osmatic potential and helps to absorb water

Adaption

Purpose of the structure

Pneumatophores and cable roots

• Pneumatophores: vertical roots which grow into the air and absorb oxygen

• Cable roots provide stability and often grow close to the ground to absorb oxygen

Stilt roots growing in a downward arch from the stem

• Anchor the trees into the ground and increase stability

Buoyant seeds

• Can be carried away by ocean currents and allow dispersal to fertile soil

Salt glands in leaves

• Excess salt removal due to increases salt water uptake